Which of the following is an example of an SSRI?

Fluoxetine is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs are a category of medications primarily used to treat depression and anxiety disorders by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which helps improve mood and emotional response.

Fluoxetine, specifically, was one of the first SSRIs introduced and is commonly prescribed for conditions such as major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. It works by blocking the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin into neurons, allowing for more serotonin to be available in the synaptic cleft, which enhances mood and alleviates symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Other choices represent different classes of medications. Duloxetine and Venlafaxine are serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) that work on both serotonin and norepinephrine. Bupropion is categorized as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) and primarily affects the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing how different classes of antidepressants operate and their therapeutic applications.