Which class of antidepressants is known to increase serotonin levels specifically?

The class of antidepressants known to increase serotonin levels specifically is SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. SSRIs work by blocking the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin in the brain, which increases the amount of this neurotransmitter available in the synaptic cleft. By doing so, SSRIs enhance serotonergic activity, which plays a crucial role in regulating mood, emotion, and anxiety. This mechanism makes them effective in treating various types of depression and anxiety disorders.

In contrast, other classes of antidepressants exhibit different mechanisms of action. TCAs, or tricyclic antidepressants, affect multiple neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine and serotonin but are not selective like SSRIs. MAOIs, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, work by inhibiting the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down serotonin and other neurotransmitters, thereby increasing their levels indirectly. NRIs, or norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, primarily focus on increasing norepinephrine levels rather than serotonin. Thus, SSRIs are distinct in their specific action on serotonin, leading to their common designation for treating depression characterized by low serotonin levels.