AEMCA Practice Exam

Which of the following combinations are commonly associated with drug classes for antidepressants?

1. Tricyclics and beta blockers

2. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and antibiotics

3. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors

4. Alpha blockers and NSAIDs

The correct answer is: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors

The combination of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) is commonly associated with antidepressant therapy due to the pharmacological effects of both classes. MAOIs work by inhibiting the activity of monoamine oxidase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression. SNRIs also target serotonin and norepinephrine, but they do so through reuptake inhibition. The combination may be utilized in specific therapeutic contexts where patients have not responded adequately to standard treatments, but it requires careful management due to potential interactions and the risk of serotonin syndrome. This highlights the importance of understanding medication profiles and the underlying mechanisms of different antidepressant classes. On the other hand, the associations in the other combinations listed do not typically represent a common or effective clinical practice in managing depression. Tricyclics are primarily antidepressants and are not typically used with beta blockers as a paired treatment. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) generally do not pair with antibiotics in a relevant therapeutic strategy. Additionally, alpha blockers and NSAIDs are not commonly related to antidepressant treatment and do not interact in the