Which pairing is correct?

Which pairing is correct?

• A. Amitriptyline — MAOI
• B. Phenelzine — TCA
• C. Desvenlafaxine — SNRI
• D. Lithium — SSRI

Answer: (C)

Desvenlafaxine fits as an SNRI because it inhibits reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine, increasing their levels in the synapse to help lift mood. That dual reuptake inhibition is the defining feature of SNRIs. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant, not an MAOI, so pairing it with MAOI isn’t correct. Phenelzine is an MAOI, which works by inhibiting monoamine oxidase to prevent breakdown of monoamines—not by blocking reuptake like TCAs or SNRIs. Lithium is a mood stabilizer, not an SSRI, so it doesn’t pair with SSRI.

Desvenlafaxine fits as an SNRI because it inhibits reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine, increasing their levels in the synapse to help lift mood. That dual reuptake inhibition is the defining feature of SNRIs.

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant, not an MAOI, so pairing it with MAOI isn’t correct. Phenelzine is an MAOI, which works by inhibiting monoamine oxidase to prevent breakdown of monoamines—not by blocking reuptake like TCAs or SNRIs. Lithium is a mood stabilizer, not an SSRI, so it doesn’t pair with SSRI.