Nortriptyline is classified under which category of drugs?

Nortriptyline is classified as a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). This category of medications is known for its three-ring chemical structure and is primarily used to treat depression. TCAs function by inhibiting the reuptake of neurotransmitters, specifically norepinephrine and serotonin, which increases their levels in the synaptic cleft and contributes to their antidepressant effects.

These drugs are often utilized for their efficacy in alleviating depressive symptoms and can also be effective for conditions such as anxiety disorders and certain types of chronic pain. Nortriptyline, in particular, is also used in some cases for neuropathic pain and migraine prevention.

Other categories of drugs listed in the question, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), represent different mechanisms of action and specific uses, which distinguish them from TCAs like nortriptyline. Thus, understanding that nortriptyline is a TCA is crucial to accurately understanding its role in pharmacotherapy for mood disorders.