Being depressed or living with mood swings are common mental conditions. A gloomy approach towards things can make you go sleepless, lose appetite and may also have an adverse impact on your physical wellbeing. Meds that belong to categories like serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (called SNRIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibiting drugs (in short, SSRIs) are widely administered for treating depression and a few other mental conditions. In this light, what are the differences between SSRIs and SNRIs? It is a safe thing to understand the differences between these two genres of meds.
If you are feeling gloomy or depressed for long, it is not a good situation to be in. You are advised not to let a mental condition remain untreated. This is mainly due to the likely impact it can have on your health. Those who remain sad most of the times may eat less; are known to have disturbed sleep cycles, and may also have problems in maintaining cordial relationships with others. In an acute state of mental illness, people may nurse suicidal thoughts or may consider harming themselves and others. Hence, a timely treatment of mental problems is critical to ensure overall wellbeing.
Mental conditions can be of varied types; such conditions can include being in a chronic state of depression, nursing fears / phobias as well as hallucinations. All these mean a sizable drop in your productivity levels. In a few people though, mental illnesses or disorders may occur in the form of restlessness, being stressful and through conditions such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), etc.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
Drugs forming part of either of these two (2) categories are commonly used for treating several mental conditions. Of these genres, SNRIs are known to increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine in brain. This action is effected by inhibiting the reuptake / absorption of these chemicals by your nervous system (CNS). SSRIs enhance the presence of serotonin inside brain.
Serotonin is a feel-good chemical / hormone; it helps in sending messages about healthy moods, happiness and wellbeing. The chemical is also known to regulate sleeping patterns, appetite levels, etc. On the other hand, norepinephrine helps boost your alertness levels, makes you stay vigilant and also boosts your focus levels. In short, both these chemicals have neuro-transmitting capabilities, and play a key role in sending the messages from brain to nerves.
Difference between SNRIs and SSRIs
The key difference between SNRIs and SSRIs is the former blocks the absorption of serotonin and norepinephrine; the latter (SSRIs) prevent serotonin from being absorbed. Owing to these capabilities, drugs belonging to both classes are used for treating mental disorders such as depression, stressful living, living with fears / phobias and restlessness.
Commonly administered SNRIs include venlafaxine (available in the branded forms like Effexor), duloxetine (notable brands are Irenka / Cymbalta, etc.) and desvenlafaxine (sold as brands such as Pristiq). Widely used SSRI drugs are fluoxetine (branded as sarafem, Prozac, etc.), citalopram (celexa is a popular med based on this SSRI generic), sertraline (Zoloft is a very widely used brand) as well as paroxetine (paxil is a well-known offering).
In short, once an impulse is over, both SNRIs and SSRIs ensure neurotransmitters suchs no arepinephrine and serotonin remain unabsorbed. Availability of these transmitters (in between nerve-based cells or synapse of nerves) for an extended period brings about a sense of wellbeing and calmness. Drugs belonging to these two genres are not taken through the over the counter route; such drugs always need to be taken under the supervision of a qualified mental health professional or clinical practitioner. For the safe intake of either of these meds, it is a safe practice to consult with your caregiving tam prior to commencing your dosage plan.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Michigan. Experience: Over 8 years of experience writing for health and wellness websites, including WebMD and Healthline, specializing in women’s health and nutrition.
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