Which medication is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)?

Fluoxetine, known by its brand name Prozac, is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, which increases the available serotonin in the synaptic cleft and leads to improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. Fluoxetine is one of the first SSRIs introduced and is commonly prescribed for conditions such as major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder.

In contrast, the other options represent different classes of antidepressants. Venlafaxine, while effective for depression and anxiety disorders, is known as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) rather than an SSRI. Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) primarily used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder and other mood disorders and has a different mechanism involving multiple neurotransmitters. Imipramine is also a TCA and is used for depressive disorders but operates similarly to clomipramine.

Understanding these classifications is crucial for effective treatment planning and medication management in psychiatric settings.