SSRI vs SNRI: How to Get an Online Prescription for Anxiety
Are you suffering from anxiety, mood disorders, or/any other mental health conditions? Worry not! Your healthcare professional will prescribe you the best treatment plan. Usually, most healthcare providers advise you to use selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as the first line of treatment. If that doesn’t suit you well, then you might be given serotonin & norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
Both SSRIs and SNRIs are effective for mental health disorders. However, they are entirely different drugs with different mechanisms of action and much more. Let’s delve further into its details, but before that,
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Difference between SSRIs vs SNRIs
SSRIs are the first choice of antidepressants for people with major depressive disorders. They increase serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain responsible for carrying signals between the brain cells. Higher levels of serotonin regulate mood, thus helping the individual feel calmer and happier.
In comparison, SNRIs increase the serotonin levels and norepinephrine in the brain. Thus helping with anxiety disorders and chronic pain as well.
Conditions Treated- SSRIs vs SNRIs
| SSRIs | SNRIs |
| Depression | Major depressive disorder |
| Bulimia | Chronic muscle or joint pain |
| Chronic muscle | Fibromyalgia |
| Depressive episodes of bipolar disorder | Panic disorder |
| Panic disorder | Bipolar depression |
| Obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD | Diabetic neuropathy |
| Post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD | Low back pain |
| Social anxiety disorder | Social phobia |
| Premenstrual dysphoric disorder | Anxiety |
Mechanism of Action- SSRIs vs SNRIs
SSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, work by inhibiting serotonin reabsorption (from our body) into our neurons. This increases the amount of serotonin in our bodies. Moreover, SSRIs alter our brains by encouraging the growth of new cells, creating better connections in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex DLPFC of the brain. Stimulating the new growth cells regulates that part of the brain that directs emotions like fear and anger and stabilizes mood and memories.
SNRIs
SNRI stands for serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. They work by increasing the levels of serotonin & norepinephrine in the brain. As mentioned earlier, serotonin balances joy and well-being, whereas norepinephrine helps focus and promotes energy. Together, both serotonin and norepinephrine decrease the symptoms of anxiety and depression, thus enhancing your mood.
What is Serotonin?
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain responsible for various things, like helping digestion and determining the sleep-wake cycle; it plays a significant role in improving our mental health.
Low levels of serotonin lead to depression, which is why when SNRIs vs SSRIs are prescribed, it increases the levels of serotonin in the brain.
What is Norepinephrine?
Norepinephrine is a stress hormone and a neurotransmitter that helps us feel focused, alert, and energized. Its primary function is to ensure all the body systems are working optimally. As a stress hormone, it regulates the following response in our body;
- Reaction time
- Tolerance for pain
- Alertness
- Breathing rate
- Focus and
- Memory retrieval
Note- low levels of norepinephrine in the body are the primary cause of mood disorders and depression. When SNRIs are used, they cancel the reabsorption of norepinephrine, increasing its levels in the brain.
SSRIs vs SSNRIs- Commonly Prescribed Medications
| SSRIs Medications | SNRIs Medications |
| Sertraline (Zoloft) | Levomilnacipran (Fetzima) |
| Citalopram (Celexa) | Venlafaxine (Effexor XR) is approved for panic disorder and specific types of anxiety disorders |
| Paroxetine ( Paxil, Pexeva) | milnacipran Savella |
| Escitalopram (Lexapro) | desvenlafaxine Khedezla, Pristiq |
Side Effects of SSRIs vs SNRIs
Most Common Side Effects of SSRIs
Did your healthcare provider prescribe you an SSRI, and your body failed to tolerate it? Don’t worry! The best part about this salt is that you can switch to another SSRI. Do not forget to discuss your concerns with your doctor, and if a specific SSRI is causing you an issue, let your doctor switch to another to decrease the unwanted reactions.
People experiencing depression may respond differently to different medicines. Matching the perfect fit is essential; thus, seeing a doctor or getting an online prescription for anxiety from a certified is necessary.
Potential possible side effects of SSRIs;
- Drowsiness
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Agitation
- Weight gain/weight loss
- Decreased in libido
The fewer side effects subside within a few days as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, if it doesn’t go on its own and you feel the side effects are causing you problems, talk to your doctor. They might adjust the dose or change the medication.
Most Common SNRIs Side Effects
SSRIs vs SNRIs have similar side effects as, more or less, they work similarly. Some people do not experience side effects, while others may have mild reactions. Nevertheless, the side effects will pass soon. It is not a cause of concern.
- Nausea
- Excessive sweating
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
Some rare side effects are;
- Insomnia
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Reduced libido
- And lethargic feeling
Note- Do not use the medicine after the treatment period ends. SSRIs and SNRIs both lose their effectiveness because of drug tolerance. Either the medicine is changed, or the dosage is increased to combat this.
Drug Interactions- SSRIs SNRIs
SSRIs interact with specific medicines, increasing the chances of potential reactions such as bleeding or serotonin syndrome.
Avoid using the following medications with SSRIs;
- Antiplatelets, for example, clopidogrel and low doses of aspirin
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, diclofenac, naproxen, and ibuprofen.
- Clozapine and pimozide are medicines used for psychosis and schizophrenia.
- Medicine used for treating asthma, theophylline
- Lithium, a medication used for treating bipolar disorder and depression
- Triptans, used for treating migraine, for example, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, and naratriptan
- Other antidepressants like TCAs, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs and serotonin
SNRIs Interaction with Other Drugs
SNRIs interact with desvenlafaxine, venlafaxine, and duloxetine, causing the metabolism of CYP isoenzymes. Tell your doctor to list all over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements you take. Specific antidepressants also react with SNRIs. SNRI drug interaction leads to the risk of bleeding, so avoid Advil, ibuprofen, Motrin IB, Warfarin, and other blood thinners.
It is not a complete list of drug interactions. Remember, both SSRIs and SNRIs have drug interactions, which is why discussing the list of medications you use is crucial with your healthcare provider.
Suppose you don’t want to visit a medical center, contact Therapy Fleet. Our team of experts will assess your needs and guide you accordingly. Their medical advice will help you overcome the side effects of SSRIs vs SNRIs.
Dealing with anxiety and depression is crippling, but we are here to help. Contact us now from your comfort zone and get an online prescription for anxiety today.
How to Select between SSRIv vs SNRIs?
If you suffer from anxiety or depression, visit a healthcare professional. Depending on the symptoms, diagnosis, reaction, and overall health conditions, they can determine the best treatment plan. Do not forget to list all medications for your doctor. However, you should know that both SSRIs and SNRIs are effective in treating mental health conditions. Which one suits you depends on the individual’s response.
The bottom line
In conclusion, both SSRIs and SNRIs are effective in their ways. Both are similar, yet the main difference is that two neurotransmitters are involved in SNRIs.
Both have specific mild side effects, but with time, they pass away; however, if they don’t and you feel the symptoms are getting worse, contact your healthcare professional immediately. Please do not stop the medications abruptly; your doctor is likely to taper them off.
Finally, like all medications, SSRIs vs SNRIs interact with some drugs, sometimes leading to severe reactions and sometimes losing the effectiveness of SSRIs and SNRIs. This is where listing your medications with your doctor, whether supplements or vitamins, is mandatory.
Medical Disclaimer:
At TherapyFleet, we strive to enhance the quality of life for those dealing with mental health issues. Our licensed medical professionals meticulously research, edit, and review all content before publication. Nonetheless, this information should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical guidance, please consult your physician or reach out to TherapyFleet’s qualified staff.
Choosing between SSRIs and SNRIs for anxiety can be complex, but online prescriptions provide convenient access to professional guidance, ensuring personalized and effective treatment.
FAQS
1. SSRI vs SNRI, which one should I go for?
Do not start on any prescription medicine on your own. The medicine you should opt for depends on the diagnosis of the prescribing doctor. Although SNRIs offer more effectiveness to the majority, some people find their symptoms improve with SSRIs. Only a physician or your mental health provider can guide you better.
2. Can SNRIs increase the dopamine levels?
Yes, all antidepressants do. However, SNRIs achieve faster effects than SSRIs.
3. Do SSRIs help with anxiety?
Yes, SSRIs help calm the mind down. People stated that their anxious thoughts came to a halt. Thus, yes, SSRIs reduce symptoms of anxiety like muscle tension, agitation, and sleep disturbances.
4. Do SSRIs impose suicidal risks?
Not really. SSRIs are safer than older antidepressants. It hinders the symptoms of depression that lead to suicidal thoughts. However, some studies show that vulnerable people are at risk of worsening suicidal thoughts.
