If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from depression or anxiety, you may be wondering if SNRI is the right medication for you. This guide will help you understand what SNRI is, how it works, and the risks and benefits of taking it. We will also discuss some alternatives to SNRI in case it is not the right medication for you.
Contents
Understanding SNRIs
SNRI is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. This means that it increases the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain by blocking their reabsorption (reuptake) into neurons.
Serotonin and norepinephrine are two neurotransmitters that are known to be involved in mood regulation. By increasing their levels in the brain, SNRIs are thought to improve mood and relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Mechanism of Action
It is thought that the exact mechanism of action of SNRIs is not fully understood. However, research and study estimate that SNRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine into neurons. This increases the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. As a result, it leads to improved mood and symptom relief.
SNRI Vs. SSRI
SNRIs are often compared to SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), as they are both used to treat depression and anxiety.
The main difference between SNRIs and SSRIs is that SNRIs increase the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine, while SSRIs only increase the level of serotonin.
Both SNRIs and SSRIs are thought to be equally effective in treating depression. However, some studies have suggested that SNRIs may be more effective in treating anxiety disorders.
How Long Does It Take For SNRIs To Work
The effects of SNRIs are usually not immediate. It may take several weeks for you to notice any improvement in your symptoms.
Important Information I Should Know About SNRI
Before taking SNRI, there are a few important things you should know.
- First, it is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, as SNRI can interact with other drugs.
- Second, SNRIs may cause some side effects, including dry mouth, constipation, weight gain, and sexual side effects.
- Third, SNRIs are not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the risk of birth defects.
- Fourth, SNRIs may cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them suddenly. Therefore, it is important to taper off the medication slowly under the supervision of your doctor.
- Fifth, there is a risk of developing serotonin syndrome when taking SNRIs. This is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when there is too much serotonin in the body.
Things I Should Tell My Doctor Before Taking SNRI
Before taking SNRI, it is important to tell your doctor about:
- allergies,
- your medical history, and
- medications you are taking.
Specific Concerns About SNRIs And Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking SNRIs.
SNRIs are not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the risk of birth defects. If you take an SNRI during pregnancy, there is a risk of developing serotonin syndrome in your newborn.
Serotonin Syndrome
Serotonin syndrome is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when there is too much serotonin in the body. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:
- agitation,
- seizures, and
- hallucinations.
Administering SNRIs
SNRIs are typically taken orally in the form of a pill. They can be taken with or without food.
How Should I Take SNRI
It is important to take SNRIs exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking the medication suddenly, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms.
How Do SNRIs Make Me Feel
The effects of SNRIs vary from person to person. Some people may experience an improvement in their symptoms within a few weeks, while others may not notice any difference.
What Should I Avoid While Taking SNRIs
There are a few things you should avoid while taking SNRIs.
- First, do not drink alcohol while taking SNRIs, as this can increase the risk of side effects.
- Second, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
- Third, avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking SNRIs, as this can increase the level of the medication in your body.
- Fourth, avoid getting too much sun exposure, as SNRIs can make you more susceptible to sunburn.
What Happens If I Miss A Dose of SNRIs
If you miss a dose of SNRIs, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on your regular schedule.
NOTE: Do not take two doses at once.
What Happens If I Overdose With SNRIs
If you think you have overdosed on SNRIs, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Evaluating SNRIs
Your doctor will evaluate the efficacy of SNRIs based on your symptoms.
Common Side-effects
The most common side effects of SNRIs include:
- dry mouth,
- constipation,
- weight gain, and
- sexual side effects.
Rare/serious Side-effects
Rare or serious side effects of SNRIs include serotonin syndrome, which is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when there is too much serotonin in the body.
Risks for Taking SNRIs For Long Period
There are some risks associated with taking SNRIs for a long period. These include an increased risk of developing serotonin syndrome and an increased risk of birth defects.
Withdrawal Symptoms
If you stop taking SNRIs suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as:
- nausea,
- anxiety,
- insomnia,
- sweating, and
- dizziness.
Medications That May Interact With SNRIs
There are a few medications that may interact with SNRIs. These include:
- MAO inhibitors,
- Tricyclic antidepressants,
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and
- Other medications increase the level of serotonin in the body.
Alternatives To SNRIs
There are a few alternatives to SNRIs. These include:
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs),
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
NOTE: Be sure to talk to your doctor about all of the potential risks and benefits of taking SNRIs before starting the medication.
Managing Side-effects
If you are experiencing any side effects, be sure to consult with your doctor. They may be able to help you manage them. Also, some people may experience an improvement in their symptoms within a few weeks, while others may not notice any difference. If you are not seeing any improvement after a few weeks, be sure to talk to your doctor. They may need to adjust your dose or switch you to a different medication.
Tips To Manage Withdrawal Symptoms
There are a few things you can do to help manage withdrawal symptoms.
- First, it is important to slowly taper off the medication. This can be done by taking smaller and smaller doses over time.
- Second, try to take the medication at the same time each day to help maintain a steady level in your body.
- Third, it is important to eat a healthy diet and get plenty of exercises while you are taking SNRIs. This will help keep your body and mind healthy.
- Fourth, try to avoid stressful situations as much as possible. Stress can make withdrawal symptoms worse.
- Finally, if you are having trouble managing withdrawal symptoms, talk to your doctor. They may be able to help you find a different medication or give you tips on how to manage the side effects.
NOTE: If you are experiencing serious side effects, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
DISCLAIMER
The information in this blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog post.
Conclusion
SNRIs are a type of medication that can help treat a variety of conditions. They work by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. SNRIs are generally well-tolerated, but they can cause some side effects. If you experience any serious side effects, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. If you are considering taking SNRIs, talk to your doctor to see if they are right for you.
A Word From Therapy Mantra
Your mental health — Your psychological, emotional, and social well-being — has an impact on every aspect of your life. Positive mental health essentially allows you to effectively deal with life’s everyday challenges.
At TherapyMantra, we have a team of therapists who provide affordable online therapy to assist you with issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, workplace Issues, addiction, relationship, OCD, LGBTQ, and PTSD. You can book a free therapy or download our free Android or iOS app.
