If a patient is prescribed an SNRI, which drug could be the prescription?

• A. Desvenlafaxine
• B. Amitriptyline
• C. Phenelzine
• D. Lithium

Answer: (A)

SNRIs increase the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain by blocking their reuptake, which helps improve mood and can help with certain anxiety and pain conditions. Desvenlafaxine is an SNRI, so it fits this profile perfectly.

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant, which affects multiple neurotransmitters but has a different mechanism and a distinct side‑effect profile. Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, which works by preventing the breakdown of monoamines but carries significant dietary and drug interaction risks. Lithium is a mood stabilizer used for bipolar disorder, not an SNRI.

So desvenlafaxine is the drug that aligns with the SNRI category.