You might be aware that there are two major categories of antidepressants, SSRIs and SNRIs. What might be somewhat unclear are what these different categories mean, as well as the different things they can offer individuals with mood disorders.
While they work in similar ways, an SNRI blocks the re-uptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine, allowing them to accumulate in the synapse. This increases the transmission of both these crucial mono-amines.
The Most Popular SNRIs
You’ve probably heard of some of the most popular medications and brands, but others are newer and more effective. Here are a few of the medications we discuss in this video:
- Pristiq
- Cymbalta
- Effexor and Effexor XR
- Fetzima
SNRIs: Advantages and Potential Disadvantages
In this video, we also examine what an SNRI might offer in terms of benefits, compared to SSRI medications. Here are a few of the conclusions McMullen breaks down for the understanding of NYC residents:
1. SNRI medications work as well as an SSRI, but are less likely to cause weight gain and sexual dysfunction.
Early studies showed that Effexor worked better than SSRIs like Prozac, allowing more people to achieve “normalcy” of mood than they were able to with SSRIs. These days, there don’t seem to be many differences in terms of efficacy.
2. SNRI medications can be more effective for individuals with atypical symptoms–overeating, oversleeping, and overreacting to daily situations. They are less likely than Prozac and SSRIs to produce sedation.
3. On the somewhat negative side, people with even mild bipolar symptoms (diagnosed or otherwise) might find that their manic episodes are exacerbated by an SNRI like Pristiq.
McMullen, the noted NYC psychiatrist, explains that some of these medications require higher doses to become effective SNRIs–Effexor being a notable example of this.
How SNRIs Work
SNRIs work in a very similar way to SSRIs, except instead of increasing–then blocking the reuptake of–merely serotonin, SNRIs also act on the synapses that regulate norepinephrine. After ten days, a significant change in mood can be noticed with a gradual upward motion after that.
Augmenting SNRIs With Other Nutrients
Robert D McMullen makes it clear throughout his videos that medications are often insufficient, taken on their own, to provide all of the changes in emotion, mood, and brain chemistry. There are countless supplements available, through–which ones should you trust?
There are many hormones, amino acids, and other supplements that can help atypical antidepressants reach their full efficacy. In this video, we look at:
- T3 Hormone (Cytomel)
- Low-dose Lithium
- Fish Oil
- Probiotics
All of these supplements can be found easily in NYC, but those looking for them around other parts of the USA might have better luck finding them online or in specialty health-food stores.
SNRI Side Effects
Any psychiatrist will tell you that no medication is without its risk of side effects. Most of the side effects of SNRIs are similar to those of SSRIs, and include:
- Agitation and irritability
- Increased appetite
- Drowsiness
- Mild to Moderate Sexual Dysfunction
- More intense withdrawal symptoms
Keep in mind, however, that most of these side effects (especially weight gain, sedation, and sexual dysfunction) are less pronounced on an SNRI than they would be on an SSRI.
About Robert McMullen, MD
Those interested in finding a psychiatrist and psychopharmacology expert in the New York City area will be happy to learn that Robert D McMullen has been a psychiatrist in Manhattan for over 35 years. People from around NYC and the USA have sought out his opinions, treatment suggestions, and help to overcome mood disorders, sleep disorders, and countless other ailments that affected them.
Reach out today at 212 362-9635. You’re not just finding a psychiatrist–you’re finding the help that can transform your life.
