Drugs - SNRI

Question 1

Which are the SNRIs?

Answer 1

• Venlafaxine (Effexor)

- Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

Question 2

What are the characteristics of venlafaxine?

Answer 2

• Severe withdrawal symptoms so must be tapered
• may produce hypertension manifest as sustained increase in diastolic pressure (dose-related)
• Desvenlafaxine (Pristq) is a marketed metabolite with a longer half-life. 10 times more potent inhibitor of serotonin reuptake than norepinephrine
• side effect profile resembles SSRI, not TCA

Question 3

What are the characteristics of duloxetine?

Answer 3

• More balanced serotonin versus norepinephrine reuptake inhibition
• SSRI like side effects. More useful in treatment of physical pain?
• May cause rise in diastolic pressure similar to Venlafaxine
• has also been used to treat diabetic neuropathies