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Multiple Choice

Which antidepressant is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) commonly prescribed for depression?

SNRIs work by blocking the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine, increasing the levels of these two neurotransmitters in the brain to help lift mood and energy. Among the options, venlafaxine (Effexor XR) is the SNRI. The other three—sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), and escitalopram (Lexapro)—are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, meaning they primarily boost serotonin with little effect on norepinephrine. So Effexor XR best fits the SNRI mechanism and is commonly prescribed for depression.

SNRIs work by blocking the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine, increasing the levels of these two neurotransmitters in the brain to help lift mood and energy. Among the options, venlafaxine (Effexor XR) is the SNRI. The other three—sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), and escitalopram (Lexapro)—are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, meaning they primarily boost serotonin with little effect on norepinephrine. So Effexor XR best fits the SNRI mechanism and is commonly prescribed for depression.