Anti depressants,SSRI or SNRIs???

Question

What is the differance between a SSRI and a SNRI?

Answer 1

There are two kinds of brain chemicals that cause depression when they are low, serotonin and norepinephrin.

SSRI--selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (keeps serotonin levels a little higher)

SNRI--serotonin norepinephrin reuptake inhibitor (does the same thing with both serotonin and norepinephrin, or at least that's the way I understand it.)

I used to take Paxil (SSRI), now I'm taking Cymbalta (SNRI).

Norepinephrin and Noradrenaline are basically the same thing but the second one is produced by the adrenal glands instead of the brain.

Answer 2

I just came here following a violation notice e-mail. Then I saw this question, and I had to answer this. I've been wondering that for a long time. It's not only R&S, it's everywhere. The battle is always between two anti groups. And that probably explains the negative atmosphere everywhere. I guess it's the problem with forming groups. Even if you're intentions are good when you form it, it'd turn to negativity somewhere in the road. That's why if atheists become organised, I won't be a part of it. Starting an anti-anti group, of course, would bring nothing but more negativity. If someone really wants to protest negativity, let's just stay out of any silly groups.

Answer 3

As an introduction, the 3 main neurotransmitters believed to play a role in the regulation of mood are, serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine. Biomedical theories of depression state that the symptoms of depression particularly low-mood result from an imbalance/usually a lack of these chemicals in the brain. The mechanisms of the drug used to treat depression are therefore to elevate these levels and restore balance.

SSRI's are the standard first line treatment for depression and comprise drugs such as Fluoxotine/Prozac - they are short for Selective Seretonin Reuptake Inhibitors called so because they 'selectively' stop serotonin from being recycled in the brain and so artificially increasing its concentrations.

SNRI's - such as Effexor (Venlafaxine) which are understandably more potent and not used as a first line treatment for depression are prescribed when SSRI's fail. They stand for Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake inhibitors as they act similar to SSRI's but on both Serotonin and Noradrenaline which gives them a greater mood elevating affect.

A newer class of drugs, infact so new that there aren't any available on the market yet are the SNDRI's - Serotonin-Noradrenaline-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors which as the name suggests work on all three.

However some SNRI's are referred to as SNDRI's because at higher doses they 'weakly' inhibit the reuptake of dopamine as well and since some of the transport mechanisms involved in the transport of noradrenaline are also believed to transport dopamine this lends greater credibility to the theory that they work on all 3 and probably why they work so much better than SSRI's.

Answer 4

Alternative treatments available

Used to be on Effexor for anxiety & depression. Withdrawals from sudden stopping were very stressful. Each time I tried I ended up back on Effexor within 1-2 weeks.

Eventually tried a homeopathic version of SAMe (S-Adenosyl-Methionine). 'Clinical Studies have proven Sam-e to be more effective than prescription anti-depressants, yet Sam-e has absolutely NO SIDE EFFECTS and it's not addictive'.

When people suddenly stop anti-depressants or anti-psychotics there is a strong chance of unpleasant or even dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Best to taper off under medical supervision. Drinking and 'meds' are a bad mix too.

By the way, there is no solid scientific 'proof' that brain chemistry imbalances 'cause' depression or anxiety. More likely our mind/soul/psyche puts the body's chemicals out of balance after prolonged stressful thoughts and feelings. Mind rules matter.

To assist with panic-like stuff try counselling, massage, nutrition, Bach Flowers, spiritual healing as well as the homeopathic SAMe. Dr Charles L. Whitfield is an expert on the harmful effects and unnecessary use of mental health medications.

Answer 5

SSRI = selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
SNRI = serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor

The first only works on the one brain chemical, while the second works on two. Which works better varies from person to person because everyone's body chemistry is different.