What is a common example of an SNRI used to treat major depressive disorder?

Venlafaxine is a widely recognized example of a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that is commonly prescribed for the treatment of major depressive disorder. SNRIs like venlafaxine work by inhibiting the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, thereby increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft. This dual mechanism of action is believed to contribute to its effectiveness in alleviating depressive symptoms.

In contrast, fluoxetine is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and primarily targets serotonin. Bupropion has a different pharmacological profile as it primarily affects dopamine and norepinephrine but is not classified as an SNRI. Trazodone, while used for depression, also has a distinct mechanism of action that does not fall under the SNRI category. These distinctions highlight why venlafaxine is appropriately identified as a common SNRI treatment for major depressive disorder.