Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor

The Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) is a class of pharmaceutical drugs used primarily in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety disorders, and chronic pain. Pronounced as səˈroʊ.tə.nɪn nɔːrɛpɪnɛfrɪn riːˈʌp.teɪk ɪnˈhɪbɪtər.

Etymology

The term "Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor" is derived from its function. It inhibits the reuptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, increasing the levels of these substances in the synaptic cleft and thus enhancing neurotransmission.

Mechanism of action

SNRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. This results in increased extracellular concentrations of serotonin and norepinephrine and, therefore, an increase in neurotransmission. Most SNRIs including venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine, and duloxetine, are several fold more selective for serotonin over norepinephrine, while others, like milnacipran and levomilnacipran, are more selective for norepinephrine over serotonin.

Medical uses

SNRIs are used to treat a variety of conditions including:

• Major depressive disorder
• Anxiety disorders
• Chronic pain

Side effects

Common side effects of SNRIs include:

• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

See also

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs)

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