Which of the following is an SSRI?

Prozac is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), a category of medications primarily used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. SSRIs work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help improve mood and reduce anxiety.

Prozac, with the generic name fluoxetine, was one of the first SSRIs developed and is widely used due to its efficacy and relatively favorable side effect profile compared to older antidepressants. SSRIs like Prozac typically have a mechanism that focuses on inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic neuron, thus enhancing mood regulation.

The other medications listed serve different purposes: Wellbutrin, for instance, is primarily used to treat depression but acts on different neurochemical pathways (dopamine and norepinephrine) rather than serotonin. Nardil, an MAOI, works by inhibiting the monoamine oxidase enzyme, which can affect neurotransmitter levels in a different way. Elavil, on the other hand, is a tricyclic antidepressant that can affect serotonin and norepinephrine but is not classified as an SSRI. Understanding these classifications is essential for recognizing how different medications can affect neurotransmitter levels and their respective therapeutic uses.