antidepressant pharmacology

Mechanism of Action of Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

June 4, 2026 Harsh Singh Rajput

Introduction Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are a class of antidepressant drugs used in major depressive disorder, neuropathic pain, migraine prophylaxis, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and certain anxiety disorders. Common TCAs include amitriptyline, nortriptyline, imipramine, desipramine, and clomipramine. Their primary action is inhibition of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake, leading to increased concentrations of these neurotransmitters in the central nervous … Read more

Mechanism of Action of SNRIs

May 27, 2026 Harsh Singh Rajput

Introduction Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are antidepressant drugs used in major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and other conditions. They enhance serotonergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission by inhibiting reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the central nervous system. Common SNRIs include venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, and levomilnacipran. Mechanism of Action (Step-wise) A key exam point … Read more

Mechanism of Action of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

April 12, 2026 Harsh Singh Rajput

Introduction Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors) are a class of antidepressant drugs used in the treatment of major depressive disorder, atypical depression, and certain anxiety disorders. They increase the availability of key neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine by inhibiting their enzymatic breakdown. Although effective, their use is limited due to dietary restrictions and … Read more