Every person is different and everyone’s depression situation can be different. If you are already taking antidepressants or curious about different treatment options for depression. There are many types of antidepressants. You may have known the two most common types of antidepressant that are SSRIs and SNRIs. These antidepressants can take many weeks before affecting completely and you can see differences in its symptoms.
In this article, we are going to compare SSRIs and SNRIs, how these two antidepressants work, what are the side effects, and which antidepressant is right for you.
Difference between SSRIs and SNRIs
SSRIs
What Are SSRIs?
SSRIs are most commonly advised antidepressants to treat depression. These are drug classes, which are used to reduce depression symptoms. It functions by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which is a feel good hormone to manage mood situations.
Few examples of SSRIs include:
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Symbyax)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Fluvoxamine (Luvox, Luvox CR)
SSRIs Mechanism of Action
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps to convey messages to the brain. It manages many body functions such as digestion, mood, and social behavior. After delivering the message by serotonin, it gets absorbed into the brain. But your brain requires a certain level of serotonin to work effectively. SSRIs work by blocking some of the serotonin that are being removed from circulation. If your level drop can cause depression.
Conditions SSRIs Can Treat
SSRIs are represented as an antidepressant, and used to treat many health condition including:
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Hot flashes
- Bulimia
- Fibromyalgia
SSRIs Side Effects
SSRIs are mostly prescribed by doctors because they work well and have fewer side effects than other kinds of antidepressants. The most frequent side effects are:
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Worsening anxiety
- Sleeping problem (insomnia)
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Changes in body weight
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sexual dysfunction
- Blurred vision
- Excessive sweating
Best SSRIs to Treat Depression
Your doctor can prescribe different types of SSRIs. In the USA, these are the best SSRIs to treat depression:
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
SNRIs
What are SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)?
SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) are similar to SSRIs, which are a kind of antidepressant and function by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain. SNRIs mainly differ in the mechanism of action.
Some of the SNRIs examples include:
- Venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR)
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq, Khedezla)
- Levomilnacipran (Fetzima)
SNRIs Mechanism of Action
SNRIs increase serotonin and norepinephrine which are neurotransmitters. It prevents both serotonin and norepinephrine from being removed from circulation. With these both neurotransmitters regulate your body functions such as how well is your sleep, mood and social behavior. It also plays a role in how alert you and your mind are. For some people SSRIs are not affected quite enough, and prefer to switch to SNRIs, giving them additional help they require.
Conditions SNRIs Can Treat
SNRIs are antidepressant type, and commonly prescribed for treating broad range of mental and physical health situations including:
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Depression (MDD)
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Fibromyalgia
- Low-back pain
- Osteoarthritis pain
- Chronic muscle or joint pain
Side Effects of SNRIs
SNRIs have many side effects and some of them are similar and related with SSRIs. If you are feeling unpleasant side effects then you should take advice from your doctors.
The most common side effects of SNRIs include:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Excessive sweating
- Dry mouth
Best SNRIs to Treat Depression
Some of the commonly prescribed SNRIs include:
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
- Levomilnacipran (Fetzima)
Precaution Of Using SSRIs and SNRIs
- If you are pregnant, and using these SSRIs and SNRIs antidepressants you should discuss the risks and benefits from your doctor
- Discuss with your doctor if you are taking any other prescribed or non prescribed medication, herbs and supplements combination
- These antidepressants can cause serious side effects and dangerous reactions when used with other medicine and herbs
- Drinking alcohol with SSRIs and SNRIs can cause worse depression feelings
- If you are feeling side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness and blurred vision by using these antidepressants, then you shouldn’t drive and use heavy machinery
I hope now you understand what is the difference between ssri and snri and which is best antidepressants, if you still have any query related to that then you can send mail to us.