Which neurotransmitter do most antidepressants primarily target?

Most antidepressants primarily target serotonin, a key neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, emotion, and anxiety. The majority of common antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), function by increasing the availability of serotonin in the synaptic cleft. This increased availability helps alleviate symptoms of depression and improve mood.

The focus on serotonin is grounded in numerous studies indicating that lower levels of this neurotransmitter are associated with depressive disorders. By enhancing serotonin levels or its activity, antidepressants can reverse the neurochemical imbalances that contribute to depression.

Other neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, may also play a role in mood regulation, but the primary action of most antidepressants is on serotonin pathways. Glutamate, while important for many cognitive and emotional functions, is not primarily targeted by conventional antidepressants in the same way serotonin is.