They are taken to treat depression, anxiety disorders, nerve pain, muscle pain, and fibromyalgia.
Hence, the SNRIs increase their levels.
They vary based on how they work and what they treat.
Getty Images / Bloomberg Contributor
Savella (milnacipran)is another common SNRI and is used to manage fibromyalgia.
You should also contact your prescriber, as abruptly stopping a medication like duloxetinecan be dangerous.
SNRIs vs. SSRIs: Which Work Better?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and SNRIs are both antidepressants but work differently.
SSRIs work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, while SNRIs block the uptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine.
Based on clinical research, SNRIs show superior antidepressant activity to SSRIs, especially in more severe depression.
SNRIs are more popular because of their better tolerability and fewer adverse effects than SSRIs.
How Long Do SNRIs Take to Work?
Contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for medical advice about side effects.
Safety Precautions
SNRIs, like all medications, carry certain risks and precautions.
Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and safety precautions associated with SNRIs.
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, talk to your healthcare provider.
Taking SNRIs during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, may harm your baby.
Breastfeeding
Inform your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Most SNRIs can pass into your breast milk.
Talk to your healthcare provider about how to feed your baby while taking SNRIs.
SNRI Withdrawal
Stopping SNRI use suddenly can lead to adverse effects.
That’s why it is important to consult with your doctor about a strategy for gradually stopping your medicine.
Some withdrawal symptoms include:
Ask your doctor before stopping your medicine.
Your healthcare provider may want to reduce your dose slowly.
For instance, taking SNRIs with MAOIs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Therefore, you cannot start MAOIs within seven days of stopping SNRIs.
You cannot start SNRIs within 14 days of stopping an MAOI.
Who Should Avoid Taking SNRIs?
There are some cases in which avoiding SNRIs altogether may be best.
They work by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Cymbalta label.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Drizalma label.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Effexor label.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Fetzima label.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Pristiq label.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Khedezla label.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Savella label.
California State Board of Pharmacy.Recall alert Duloxetine Delayed-Release Capsules.
2019; 36: 198212. doi: 10.1002/da.22854.
