Moreover, depending on which neurotransmitters or neuroreceptors are low, the type and severity of a mood disorder can differ. Reuptake means reabsorption. It is a normal mechanism by which the body controls how long a nerve signal lasts. However, if you have significantly low levels of a neurotransmitter, reuptake can be a problem as it restricts the amount of neurotransmitters being actively circulated in the brain.
To this end, limiting reuptake increases the extracellular concentrations of these chemicals and, by doing so, increases their ability to exert positive effects on your mood.
Because reuptake inhibitors limit the reabsorption of certain neurotransmitters, these medications are able to increase the availability of these neurotransmitters in the brain. The reuptake inhibitors used to treat mood disorders are classified by the types of neurotransmitter pathway they block. The drugs are able to do this by binding one or several different proteins, called transporters, which are responsible for carrying the chemical between cells.
Some of these reuptake inhibitors are classified as selective because they only bind to certain proteins, while others are nonspecific because they bind to a broad range of proteins. The choice of reuptake inhibitor depends largely on the condition being treated and the mechanism of action of the drug. SSRIs work by blocking the serotonin transporter in neurons, which results in higher levels and greater activity of the feel-good chemical.
They are typically used to treat major depressive disorder MDD and anxiety disorders. While SSRIs are sometimes used to treat bipolar depression, there is some controversy as to how effective they are given their potential to exacerbate the rapid cycling of moods. SSRI medications approved for use in the U. Symbyax is specially approved for use in treating bipolar depression. SNRIs block both the serotonin transporter and norepinephrine transporter.
However, they are commonly used for short-term therapy, as prolonged use may trigger a manic or hypomanic episode. SNRI medications approved for use in the U. NRIs work by blocking the action of the norepinephrine transporter. NRI medications approved for use in the U. NDRIs block the action of both the norepinephrine transporter and the dopamine transporter. SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are antidepressant medications used to treat major depressive disorder and anxiety.
They are also approved to treat other mental health disorders like bulimia. SSRI medications are generally taken as a daily oral tablet.
SNRIs, or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, are antidepressants that can treat major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders. They are available as oral tablets or capsules that can be taken on a daily basis.
Certain SNRIs can also be prescribed to treat certain types of chronic pain. Although both antidepressants can help relieve symptoms of depression, they work in different ways.
SSRIs selectively block the reuptake of serotonin to increase serotonin levels. SNRIs block the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine to increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. The best antidepressant is the one that works best for you and depends on the condition being treated. Certain SNRIs are approved to treat chronic nerve and musculoskeletal pain, and these antidepressants may be preferred for someone that has both depression and chronic pain. Paxil, or paroxetine, may be associated with an increased risk of heart abnormalities in an unborn fetus and is not usually recommended during pregnancy.
Certain SSRIs and SNRIs may be continued throughout pregnancy, although the benefits and risks should be assessed with the help of a healthcare provider. Mixing antidepressants with alcohol may increase the risk of certain adverse effects, like drowsiness and dizziness. These types of medications are generally safe to take. Side effects are usually mild and go away on their own as the body adjusts to the drug.
Skip to main content Search for a topic or drug. SSRIs vs. By Gerardo Sison, Pharm. Top Reads in Drug Info. Which SNRI is used depends on the condition being treated. The following medications are often prescribed for particular disorders:. Cymbalta duloxetine. Effexor Venlafaxine. Fetzima levomilnacipran. Pristiq desvenlafaxine. Savella milnacipran. Reuptake inhibitors may be prescribed by a primary healthcare provider or a mental health professional who is able to prescribe medications, such as a psychiatrist.
Your healthcare provider may order blood tests or other tests to check for other medical considerations that could influence which medication is most appropriate. Once a medication is chosen, your healthcare provider will usually begin by prescribing a low dose and increase the dosage over time if needed. It can take from two weeks to two months for the benefits of the medication to take full effect.
Your healthcare provider will likely schedule a follow-up within a few weeks to check in on how the treatment is going and if there are side effects. They may advise continuing with the same medication and dosage, change the dosage, or switch to a different medication altogether.
Always inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist about any medications prescriptions, over-the-counter, and herbal , supplements, and vitamins that you currently take. Potential interactions are not always obvious and have the potential to cause side effects, influence the effectiveness of the medications, or even be dangerous.
Always check with your healthcare provider about proper dosing, and never change doses without first discussing it with your healthcare provider. Too much serotonin can cause a condition called serotonin syndrome. This condition can range from mild to life threatening. It usually occurs when different medications that affect serotonin are taken together, but it can happen if SSRIs or SNRIs are taken in too high a dosage. Each individual medication has its own guidelines for ways in which it may or may not be modified.
Consult your pharmacist or medication package insert for more specific details. It is important to take reuptake inhibitors as prescribed and avoid missing a dose. Taking reuptake inhibitors with food may help prevent nausea. Unless otherwise specified, these medications should be:. Make sure medication is kept out of reach and sight of children. Your healthcare provider will prescribe a medication with these side effects in mind.
If the side effects are concerning or intolerable, talk with your healthcare provider to see if adjustments can be made. SSRIs should be used with caution as a treatment for bipolar disorder as they may exacerbate rapid mood cycling. A warning is still included in the package inserts for all antidepressants in common use, discussing the risk of suicidal thoughts, hostility, and agitation in children, teens, and young adults.
Anyone on antidepressants, particularly those under age 25, should be mindful of the potential for suicidal thoughts and actions, and seek help immediately if they notice signs or experience such thoughts. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call immediately or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
You should not stop taking your medication abruptly or miss several doses. Therefore, by blocking this process, reuptake inhibitors increase the availability of neurotransmitters.
Serotonin helps the body regulate mood. When serotonin is too high or too low, a person may become depressed. Low serotonin can also cause anxiety , suicidal thoughts , depression , or obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
When serotonin levels rise, a person may feel less physically and psychologically active or aroused, making it easier to sleep and relax. SSRIs and SNRIs both increase serotonin levels in the brain, potentially helping with the symptoms of various mental health conditions. Norepinephrine plays a key role in the fight-or-flight reaction. During times of intense stress , such as when a person feels threatened, norepinephrine naturally increases. In daily life, norepinephrine also plays a role in sleep, attention, memory, and mood regulation.
People with low levels of norepinephrine may have trouble concentrating, develop symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD , or show signs of depression. Higher levels of norepinephrine may cause feelings of euphoria. However, they may also cause panic attacks , high blood pressure , and hyperactive behavior.
Due to these effects, SNRIs may not be suitable for people with certain heart health issues, a history of panic, or problems with hyperactivity.
There is no conclusive evidence that either group of drugs is consistently superior to the other for all individuals. A person may need to experiment with different drugs or combinations of drugs at different dosages.
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