Question

Venlafaxine (Effexor) exerts its antidepressant effect by selectively blocking the reuptake of _________.

1) Serotonin
2) Norepinephrine
3) Dopamine
4) All of the above

Answer 1

Venlafaxine, known as Effexor, is an SNRI that blocks the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, making it effective as an antidepressant.

Step-by-step explanation:

Venlafaxine (Effexor) exerts its antidepressant effect by selectively blocking the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and to a lesser extent, dopamine. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is 4) All of the above. Venlafaxine is known as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which is a class of antidepressant medications that enhance the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain by preventing their reabsorption into cells. This process can improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression over time. Unlike selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), SNRIs such as venlafaxine affect multiple neurotransmitters, which may offer advantages in certain clinical situations.