SNRI VS SRRI

Question 1

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors ( given to a major or depressive disorder patient)

Answer 1

ex: venlafaxine, duloxetine are feq prescribed as next step management after an adequate trial of SSRI ( ex: escitalopram) fails.

Question 2

the side effect of SNRI?

Answer 2

are associated with dose-dependent increase in diastolic and systolic blood pressure. blood pressure should be monitored before a SNRI is started and regularly monitored during treatment.

Question 3

Venlafaxine

Answer 3

has a higher affinity for serotonin transporter relative to the norepinephrine transporter, which results in venlafaxine behaving like SSRI at lower doses and demonstrating significant norepinephrine reuptake inhibition at higher doses. this noradrenergic drive is what causes HTN, the risk with venlafaxine is most pronounced at doses = or > 225mg. if sustained increases in blood pressure are documented, options are to reduce the dose or switch to alternate antidepressants.