Duloxetine is classified as what type of anti-depressant?

Duloxetine is classified as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). This class of antidepressants works by inhibiting the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps to enhance mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. The dual action of increasing levels of these two neurotransmitters is beneficial for treating major depressive disorder and some anxiety disorders.

SNRIs, such as Duloxetine, have a different mechanism of action compared to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which only target serotonin. This makes SNRIs suitable for a broader range of symptoms, including pain syndromes, which can be an added benefit when treating patients with both depression and chronic pain.

Furthermore, while monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are also classes of antidepressants, they function through different pharmacological mechanisms and have distinct side effect profiles. MAOIs increase levels of neurotransmitters by inhibiting their breakdown, and TCAs primarily block the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin but with a different chemical structure and side effect profile compared to SNRIs.

Thus, categorizing Duloxetine as an SNRI accurately reflects its