Question:
Which of the following is a novel (newer) antidepressant that acts as a serotonin partial agonist and reuptake inhibitor (SPARI)?
Which of the following is a novel (newer) antidepressant that acts as a serotonin partial agonist and reuptake inhibitor (SPARI)?
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Think SPARI: SSRI plus 5-HT1A partial agonism - the newest of the four.
Updated On: Jun 25, 2026
- Vilazodone
- Trazodone
- Imipramine
- Amitriptyline
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Read what is being asked.
The question wants the novel (most recently introduced) antidepressant among the choices.
Step 2: Classify each drug.
• Vilazodone - a newer agent (FDA-approved 2011) and the prototype SPARI: it combines selective serotonin reuptake inhibition with 5-HT\(_{1A}\) receptor partial agonism. Vortioxetine belongs to the same modern class.
• Trazodone - an older (1980s) serotonin antagonist/reuptake inhibitor (SARI), widely used for its sedative effect in depression with insomnia.
• Imipramine and Amitriptyline - classic tricyclic antidepressants, among the oldest agents.
Step 3: Choose the novel drug.
By recency and mechanism, Vilazodone is the novel antidepressant.
Step 4: Why the others are wrong.
Trazodone, imipramine and amitriptyline are all long-established drugs, so none qualifies as “novel.”
Key fact: Vilazodone = SPARI = a newer antidepressant (SSRI action + 5-HT\(_{1A}\) partial agonism).
The question wants the novel (most recently introduced) antidepressant among the choices.
Step 2: Classify each drug.
• Vilazodone - a newer agent (FDA-approved 2011) and the prototype SPARI: it combines selective serotonin reuptake inhibition with 5-HT\(_{1A}\) receptor partial agonism. Vortioxetine belongs to the same modern class.
• Trazodone - an older (1980s) serotonin antagonist/reuptake inhibitor (SARI), widely used for its sedative effect in depression with insomnia.
• Imipramine and Amitriptyline - classic tricyclic antidepressants, among the oldest agents.
Step 3: Choose the novel drug.
By recency and mechanism, Vilazodone is the novel antidepressant.
Step 4: Why the others are wrong.
Trazodone, imipramine and amitriptyline are all long-established drugs, so none qualifies as “novel.”
Key fact: Vilazodone = SPARI = a newer antidepressant (SSRI action + 5-HT\(_{1A}\) partial agonism).
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