Which class inhibits the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine?

Which class inhibits the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine?

• A. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• B. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• C. Serotonin nonselective reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)
• D. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is that some antidepressants work by blocking the transporters that reclaim neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors specifically inhibit both the serotonin transporter (SERT) and the norepinephrine transporter (NET). By doing so, they raise the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the synapse, enhancing signaling in mood-regulating circuits and pain modulation pathways. This dual action defines the SNRI class, separating it from SSRIs (which block only serotonin reuptake) and from MAO inhibitors (which prevent breakdown of monoamines). While some older antidepressants like TCAs can also reduce reuptake of both transmitters, they have broader pharmacology and more side effects; the SNRI distinction rests on the targeted dual reuptake blockade with a relatively cleaner profile.

The key idea here is that some antidepressants work by blocking the transporters that reclaim neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors specifically inhibit both the serotonin transporter (SERT) and the norepinephrine transporter (NET). By doing so, they raise the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the synapse, enhancing signaling in mood-regulating circuits and pain modulation pathways. This dual action defines the SNRI class, separating it from SSRIs (which block only serotonin reuptake) and from MAO inhibitors (which prevent breakdown of monoamines). While some older antidepressants like TCAs can also reduce reuptake of both transmitters, they have broader pharmacology and more side effects; the SNRI distinction rests on the targeted dual reuptake blockade with a relatively cleaner profile.