SSRIs and SNRIs are both classes of antidepressant medications. Healthcare professionals may prescribe these medications to treat mood disorders, anxiety, and, in some cases, conditions that cause chronic pain.
SNRIs may be more effective for people experiencing depression and physical pain. But the choice between SSRIs and SNRIs depends on your symptoms, medical history, and response to the medication.
SSRI vs. SNRI: How they work in the body
SSRIs increase brain levels of serotonin by blocking its reabsorption (reuptake), allowing it to stay in the brain for longer. This enhances the effects of serotonin.
SNRIs work the same way as SSRIs. But they also affect norepinephrine levels by inhibiting serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter primarily involved in regulating mood, emotions, and sleep. It’s crucial in maintaining a balanced mood and affects various cognitive functions.
Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter and a hormone involved in the body’s stress response, attention, focus, and arousal.
While serotonin is closely linked with mood regulation, norepinephrine plays a role in the body’s physiological response to stressors.
Because of this, SNRIs may have a broader impact on your mood and associated symptoms compared with SSRIs.
SSRI vs. SNRI: Conditions they treat
SSRI and SNRI medications treat various conditions, both on-label and off-label.
On-label medication use refers to the approved and recognized conditions for which a medication is officially manufactured and prescribed.
In contrast, off-label medication use refers to prescribing medication for conditions or purposes not officially approved by regulatory authorities but clinically proven to improve with its use.
On-label uses for both SSRI and SNRI medications include the following:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD): MDD is what many people call clinical depression. SSRIs and SNRIs may help lower depression symptoms like sadness, loss of interest, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns.
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): SSRIs and SNRIs effectively manage GAD, which is characterized by intense worry and anxiety across situations.
- Panic disorder: SSRIs and SNRIs help reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks associated with panic disorder.
- Social anxiety disorder (SAD): SSRIs and SNRIs help lower symptoms of social anxiety. This helps reduce fear and avoidance of social situations.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): SSRIs are FDA-approved for managing PTSD symptoms, such as intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and hyperarousal.
- Fibromyalgia (SNRI-specific): SNRIs, specifically duloxetine, are approved for treating fibromyalgia, a chronic disorder that causes generalized pain.
Off-label uses for SSRI and SNRI medications may include the following:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): SSRIs and SNRIs may help lower obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors in OCD.
- Eating disorders: These may include bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): SSRIs and SNRIs may help reduce emotional and physical symptoms linked with PMDD.
SSRI vs. SNRI: Which is better for anxiety?
There’s no definitive answer for which medication is better for anxiety symptoms. Individual responses may vary, and both medication types have shown effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders.
Your healthcare professional may want to assess certain factors before deciding which drug class may be more effective for you. These factors may include your past and current symptoms, family and personal medical history, and responses to other medications.
SSRI vs. SNRI: Which is better for depression?
The effectiveness of SSRI and SNRI medications for depression may vary between people and depending on symptoms. Both medication types have shown efficacy in treating depression. As with anxiety symptoms, your healthcare professional may take a few factors into account.
SSRI vs. SNRI: Common medications
Commonly prescribed SSRIs include the following:
- Fluoxetine (Prozac): Fluoxetine is used for various conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, and bulimia. Side effects may include nausea, sleeping difficulties (insomnia), headache, and some types of sexual dysfunction — that is, difficulty experiencing or responding sexually.
- Sertraline (Zoloft): Sertraline is used for depression, panic disorder, social anxiety, and PTSD, among others. Side effects may include diarrhea, dizziness, and dry mouth.
- Escitalopram (Lexapro): Escitalopram is used mostly for depression and GAD. Side effects may include drowsiness, nausea, and insomnia.
- Citalopram (Celexa): Citalopram is used to treat depression. Side effects may include nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness, and sweating.
- Paroxetine (Paxil): Paroxetine is frequently used for depression, panic disorder, social anxiety, and GAD. Side effects may include drowsiness, weight gain, and sweating.
Commonly prescribed SNRIs may include the following:
- Venlafaxine (Effexor): Venlafaxine is often used for depression, GAD, and social anxiety. Side effects may include nausea, dizziness, insomnia, and elevated blood pressure.
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta): Duloxetine is used for depression, GAD, fibromyalgia, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Side effects may include nausea, dry mouth, fatigue, and constipation.
- Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq): Desvenlafaxine is used mostly for low mood in depression. Side effects may include headache, nausea, dizziness, and sweating.
- Milnacipran (Savella): Milnacipran (Savella) is used for fibromyalgia. Side effects may include nausea, headache, insomnia, and increased sweating.
Consider speaking with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. They’ll consider both on-label and off-label uses of SSRIs and SNRIs.
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