Which of the following drugs is classified as a novel antidepressant?

Appeared in: INI-CET EXAM -2026

Explanation

Vilazodone is a newer, or 'novel', antidepressant approved by the FDA in 2011 for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
It has a unique, multimodal mechanism of action, functioning as both a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and a 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist.
This dual action classifies it as a Serotonin Partial Agonist/Reuptake Inhibitor (SPARI), distinguishing it from older classes of antidepressants.
Its development aimed to combine the therapeutic benefits of SSRIs and buspirone (a 5-HT1A agonist) into a single molecule.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

Option A: Trazodone is an older atypical antidepressant, classified as a Serotonin Antagonist and Reuptake Inhibitor (SARI). It was widely used before the advent of SSRIs in the late 1980s and is not considered 'novel' today.
Option C: Blonanserin is not an antidepressant. It is an atypical antipsychotic medication used for the treatment of schizophrenia.
Option D: Etizolam is not an antidepressant. It is a thienodiazepine, a benzodiazepine analog, which is primarily used as an anxiolytic to treat anxiety and panic disorders.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of novel antidepressants as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be familiar with different classes of antidepressants to anticipate side effects, provide accurate patient education, and monitor for therapeutic effects and adverse reactions.
For Vilazodone, a key nursing instruction is to advise the patient to take it with food, as this increases its bioavailability by about 72% and can reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
Understanding that drugs like Trazodone cause significant sedation is crucial for patient safety counseling, especially regarding activities like driving or operating machinery.

How to Approach the Question

This is a pharmacology recall question that requires knowledge of drug classifications.
First, read the question carefully and identify the key term: 'novel antidepressant'. 'Novel' implies a newer drug with a potentially unique mechanism of action.
Next, evaluate each option by recalling or determining its drug class and primary indication.
Option A, Trazodone, is an antidepressant but an older one.
Option B, Vilazodone, is a known newer antidepressant with a dual mechanism.
Option C, Blonanserin, is an antipsychotic.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Classification of novel antidepressants
Stem keywords: drugs, novel antidepressant
Lead-in keywords: Which
Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QE8ITiSFwyHxKFMZdxdLRZ

Reference Book

E6 Pharmacology Katzung 16e p. 839-841

E6 Robert Boland, Marcia L. Verduin - Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of Psychiatry-Wolters Kluwer Health (2024) (pp 1-16525 of 16525) pp. 10297-10299, 10298-10300

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