What is the difference between an SSRI and an SNRI?

Both are antidepressant classes you will see on drug lists. For memorization purposes, group the SSRIs (sertraline, escitalopram, fluoxetine) separately from the SNRIs (venlafaxine, duloxetine); the class split is what most exams test.

Which antidepressant is most common?

Sertraline and escitalopram rank near the top of most popularity lists, so they are good drugs to learn first in this group.

Antidepressants (Depression Medications) to Know

Antidepressants are a high-frequency exam group dominated by the SSRIs, with SNRIs and a handful of atypical agents rounding out the list. Because several SSRIs end in similar sounds, grouping by class prevents them from blurring together.

Study tip

Cluster the SSRIs together first — sertraline, escitalopram, fluoxetine, citalopram, paroxetine — then learn the SNRIs (venlafaxine, duloxetine) as a separate block. Studying them as two short lists is easier than one long one.

Depression drug list (17)

By generic name, ordered by how commonly each is dispensed.

#	Generic name	Commonly used for
12	Sertraline	Depression
16	Escitalopram	Depression
24	Trazodone	Depression
25	Bupropion	Depression
26	Citalopram	Depression
33	Duloxetine	Depression
38	Fluoxetine	Depression
76	Venlafaxine	Depression
77	Paroxetine	Depression
78	Mirtazapine	Depression
128	Vortioxetine	Depression
129	Vilazodone	Depression
130	Amitriptyline	Depression
131	Nortriptyline	Depression
440	Brexpiprazole	Depression
447	Dextromethorphan / Bupropion	Depression
448	Imipramine	Depression

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an SSRI and an SNRI?: Both are antidepressant classes you will see on drug lists. For memorization purposes, group the SSRIs (sertraline, escitalopram, fluoxetine) separately from the SNRIs (venlafaxine, duloxetine); the class split is what most exams test.
Which antidepressant is most common?: Sertraline and escitalopram rank near the top of most popularity lists, so they are good drugs to learn first in this group.

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Educational study aid — not medical advice. Learn My Drugs is a memorization tool for pharmacy students, technicians, and exam prep. Drug names and uses on this page are simplified for studying and are not a substitute for professional judgment. For clinical, dosing, or safety information, consult the official label and a licensed professional.

Authoritative references: DailyMed, MedlinePlus, and the U.S. FDA.

Last reviewed: May 30, 2026.