Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and imipramine primarily function by inhibiting the reuptake of which two main neurotransmitters?

Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and imipramine primarily function by inhibiting the reuptake of which two main neurotransmitters?

• A. Serotonin and Dopamine
• B. Serotonin and Norepinephrine
• C. Acetylcholine and Dopamine
• D. GABA and Glutamate

Answer: (B)

Tricyclic antidepressants work mainly by blocking the reuptake transporters for serotonin and norepinephrine, increasing their levels in the synapse and enhancing mood-related signaling. Amitriptyline and imipramine inhibit both SERT and NET, giving them a dual action on these two key neurotransmitters. This makes serotonin and norepinephrine the correct pairing. Dopamine reuptake isn’t the primary target of these drugs, and acetylcholine or GABA/glutamate aren’t the monoamines whose reuptake is blocked by TCAs.

Tricyclic antidepressants work mainly by blocking the reuptake transporters for serotonin and norepinephrine, increasing their levels in the synapse and enhancing mood-related signaling. Amitriptyline and imipramine inhibit both SERT and NET, giving them a dual action on these two key neurotransmitters. This makes serotonin and norepinephrine the correct pairing. Dopamine reuptake isn’t the primary target of these drugs, and acetylcholine or GABA/glutamate aren’t the monoamines whose reuptake is blocked by TCAs.