Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Which class of medications is known to break down most bioamine neurotransmitters?

1. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

2. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

3. Antidepressants

4. Antipsychotics

The correct answer is: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

The correct choice is monoamine oxidase inhibitors, which are a class of medications specifically designed to inhibit the activity of monoamine oxidase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. By inhibiting this enzyme, monoamine oxidase inhibitors increase the availability of these neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, leading to enhanced neurotransmission. This mechanism of action is significant in the treatment of various mood disorders, particularly depression and anxiety. Unlike selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which mainly focus on serotonin and its reabsorption, or other classes like antidepressants and antipsychotics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors directly target the breakdown process of multiple bioamine neurotransmitters, making them distinct in their approach to modulating neurotransmitter levels in the brain.