Repeated USMLE Questions Step 1- 193

A 33-year-old woman presents to the clinic for her regular yearly physical examination. She has a long history of depression and takes fluoxetine regularly for two years.

Which amino acid is the precursor of the neurotransmitter affected by this drug?

A- Glycine

B- Glutamate

C- Methionine

D- Phenylalanine

E- Tryptophan

Answer






Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Tryptophan is converted to serotonin by tryptophan hydroxylase.

The correct answer is E