Which are common antidepressant classes?

• A. SSRI, SNRI, TCA, MAOI
• B. Benzodiazepine, Opioid, Antipsychotic, SSRI
• C. MAOI, Antipsychotic, Anxiolytic, SNRI
• D. SSRI, Antidepressant, Stimulant, Anticonvulsant

Answer: (A)

Antidepressants are grouped by how they raise monoamine levels in the brain. The common, widely used classes are SSRI, SNRI, TCA, and MAOI. SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its availability and improving mood with a favorable safety profile. SNRIs do the same for serotonin and norepinephrine, helping a broader range of symptoms. TCAs inhibit reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine but come with more side effects and dosing considerations. MAOIs inhibit monoamine oxidase, the enzyme that breaks down monoamines, leading to higher levels of multiple transmitters, though they require careful dietary and drug interaction management. Together these four represent the main antidepressant classes.

The other options mix in drugs that aren’t antidepressant classes—benzodiazepines (anxiolytics), opioids (analgesics), antipsychotics, stimulants, or anticonvulsants—so they don’t represent the primary categories used to classify antidepressants.