Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)PharmacologyMedium
A patient reports taking fluoxetine (Prozac) for depression. The medical assistant should be aware that this medication belongs to which drug class?
- ABenzodiazepine
- BMonoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI)
- CSelective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
- DTricyclic Antidepressant (TCA)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
Fluoxetine (Prozac) is a well-known antidepressant that belongs to the class of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs work by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam) are typically used for anxiety and have sedative properties, not primarily for depression.
- B. MAOIs (e.g., phenelzine) are powerful antidepressants with significant dietary restrictions and drug interactions.
- D. TCAs (e.g., amitriptyline) are an older class of antidepressants with more side effects.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs are a class of antidepressants that primarily block the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin in the brain, thereby increasing the availability of serotonin to improve mood.
- First-line treatment for depression, anxiety disorders.
- Examples: fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, escitalopram.
- Generally fewer side effects than TCAs or MAOIs.
Memory trick: SSRIs Make Serotonin Soar!