Which of the following are main classes of antidepressant? monoamine oxidase inhibitors neuroleptic medications benzodiazepine drugs selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

General
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Which of the following are main classes of antidepressant? monoamine oxidase inhibitors neuroleptic medications benzodiazepine drugs selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

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Which of the following are main classes of antidepressant? monoamine oxidase inhibitors neuroleptic medications benzodiazepine drugs selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Answer:

When considering the main classes of antidepressants, we need to focus on medications specifically designed to treat depression by altering the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. Here are the details:

  1. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs):

    • Explanation: MAOIs are a class of antidepressants that work by inhibiting the activity of monoamine oxidase, an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. By inhibiting this enzyme, MAOIs increase the levels of these neurotransmitters, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression.
    • Examples: Phenelzine (Nardil), Tranylcypromine (Parnate), Isocarboxazid (Marplan).

  2. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs):

    • Explanation: SSRIs are a class of antidepressants that work by selectively inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic neuron, thereby increasing the level of serotonin available in the synaptic cleft. This increase in serotonin levels helps improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
    • Examples: Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), Citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro).

Non-Antidepressant Classes:

  1. Neuroleptic Medications (also known as Antipsychotics):

    • Explanation: Neuroleptic medications are primarily used to treat psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, rather than depression. They work by altering the effects of neurotransmitters such as dopamine.
    • Examples: Haloperidol, Risperidone, Olanzapine.

  2. Benzodiazepine Drugs:

    • Explanation: Benzodiazepines are used primarily for their anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and sedative effects. They work by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. Though they can be used to manage anxiety-related symptoms in depressive disorders, they are not classified as antidepressants.
    • Examples: Diazepam (Valium), Lorazepam (Ativan), Alprazolam (Xanax).

Final Answer:

The main classes of antidepressants listed in the options are:

  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Neuroleptic medications and benzodiazepine drugs are not primarily classified as antidepressants.