Which of the following is an SSRI?

Prozac is an example of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which is a class of medications commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. SSRIs work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, a neurotransmitter that plays a pivotal role in regulating mood.

Understanding the characteristics of SSRIs is essential for recognizing how they differ from other types of medications. For instance, Cylert is primarily used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and functions as a stimulant. Ritalin, like Cylert, is also a stimulant used to treat ADHD, but it does not belong to the SSRI class. Valium, on the other hand, is a benzodiazepine used mainly for anxiety and muscle relaxation, and it has a different mechanism of action unrelated to serotonin reuptake inhibition.

By knowing that Prozac is an SSRI, one can appreciate its specific role in treating mood disorders, distinguishing it from other medications that target different conditions or utilize different mechanisms.