NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Foundational Knowledge and Basic ScienceHard
A patient is prescribed a medication that inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, aiming to increase its availability in the synaptic cleft. This medication is most likely classified as which of the following?
- ABeta-blocker
- BAntihistamine
- CSSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor)
- DNSAID (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor)
The description 'inhibits the reuptake of serotonin' directly defines the mechanism of action for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of antidepressants that increase serotonin levels in the brain to improve mood.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Beta-blockers block beta-adrenergic receptors, used for cardiovascular conditions like hypertension.
- B. Antihistamines block histamine receptors, primarily used for allergies.
- D. NSAIDs inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, used for pain and inflammation.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
A class of antidepressant medications that work by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain's synaptic cleft by blocking its reabsorption into the presynaptic neuron.
- Primary treatment for depression, anxiety disorders, and some other conditions.
- Mechanism: blocks serotonin transporters (SERT).
- Examples: Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Escitalopram.
Memory trick: Drugs Divide into Categories, Each for a Cause.