Prozac (fluoxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline) are classified under which category of medications?

Prozac (fluoxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline) are classified as antidepressants because they are both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, a neurotransmitter that is often associated with mood regulation. By enhancing serotonin transmission, these medications help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, which is the primary purpose of antidepressants.

Using SSRIs like fluoxetine and sertraline effectively treats various mood disorders, including major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, making them essential tools in psychiatric treatment. Their classification as antidepressants sets them apart from other categories of medications, each serving distinct therapeutic purposes, such as treating seizures or anxiety disorders.