Which antidepressant is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)?

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Multiple Choice

Which antidepressant is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)?

TCAs are an older class of antidepressants defined by their three-ring chemical structure and by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin, increasing their levels in the brain. Amitriptyline fits this profile as a classic example of a tricyclic antidepressant, reflecting both the distinctive tricyclic structure and the reuptake inhibition mechanism. In contrast, venlafaxine is an SNRI (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor), while fluoxetine and sertraline are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). The combination of the three-ring structure and the reuptake-blocking profile makes amitriptyline the correct choice.

TCAs are an older class of antidepressants defined by their three-ring chemical structure and by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin, increasing their levels in the brain. Amitriptyline fits this profile as a classic example of a tricyclic antidepressant, reflecting both the distinctive tricyclic structure and the reuptake inhibition mechanism. In contrast, venlafaxine is an SNRI (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor), while fluoxetine and sertraline are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). The combination of the three-ring structure and the reuptake-blocking profile makes amitriptyline the correct choice.

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