Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Which neurotransmitters do newer antidepressants selectively target?

1. Dopamine and serotonin

2. Norepinephrine and dopamine

3. Serotonin and norepinephrine

4. Serotonin and GABA

The correct answer is: Serotonin and norepinephrine

Newer antidepressants, specifically serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and some types of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), primarily target serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmitters. These medications are designed to enhance the levels and functioning of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain by inhibiting their reuptake into the presynaptic neuron. Serotonin is well-known for its role in mood regulation, and enhancing its availability can lead to improved mood in individuals suffering from depression. Similarly, norepinephrine is involved in attention and responding actions and can also have mood-enhancing effects. By selectively targeting these neurotransmitters, newer antidepressants can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety more effectively compared to earlier treatments that did not focus on this specific mechanism. This understanding draws on the established connection between neurotransmitter levels and mood disorders, reinforcing the importance of these two neurotransmitters in modern therapeutic strategies for mental health conditions.