SNRIs

SNRIs (Serotonin/Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors) are a relatively new group of antidepressants. These drugs include:

  • duloxetine
  • venlafaxine

SNRIs also have effects on the noradrenaline and serotonin neurotransmission system, which appear to be important in mood and anxiety disorders. The potentially troublesome side effects are slightly more pronounced than those of the SSRIs as these also include the noradrenergic side effects:   These may include:

  • restlessness and agitation
  • difficulty in sleeping
  • dryness of the mouth
  • nausea and vomiting
  • headache
  • constipation
  • tendency to sweat
  • sexual problems (lack of desire, delayed/absent ejaculation)
  • weight increase
  • vision disturbance
  • palpitations
  • blood pressure increase

 

 

Both the SSRIs and the SNRIs are new drugs, which, because of their specificity for the serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake proteins, lack most of the adverse side effects of the older antidepressants. 

Last updated:14/08/2008