Which class of antidepressants includes Phenelzine (Nardil)?

Phenelzine, marketed under the brand name Nardil, belongs to the class of medications known as Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). This class works by inhibiting the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which is responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. By inhibiting this enzyme, MAOIs increase the levels of these neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, ultimately helping to alleviate symptoms of depression.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors are particularly effective for certain patients, especially those who do not respond well to other classes of antidepressants. They can also be prescribed in cases of atypical depression or treatment-resistant depression.

The other classes of antidepressants mentioned, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), are designed to specifically block the reuptake of serotonin, Tricyclic antidepressants affect multiple neurotransmitter systems but are structurally different from MAOIs, and Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) primarily focus on those specific neurotransmitters without affecting monoamine oxidase. Therefore, the distinct mechanism by which Phenelzine functions is characteristic of MA