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Learn More About Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) for Your Mental Health

Learning more about medications like SSRI/SNRIs, as well as other tools you can use to manage your mental health conditions is an important step in ensuring you’re in control of your health and wellness.

According to statistics from the National Institutes of Health, more than 25% of U.S. adults suffer from a mental health condition. Included in this population are millions of Veterans, but more than half of the Veterans dealing with mental health challenges did not receive treatment within the past year. There are numerous explanations, including a perceived stigma surrounding mental health treatment or fear that it may impact a person’s career. But it may also be because many of us are unaware of the many ways we can treat mental health conditions.

While many times, therapy is the first line of treatment, there are times that medications are needed for treatment. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are the most common medications used to treat several mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Learn more about SSRIs/SNRIs, how they work, and their role in treating mental health conditions.

What Are SSRIs/SNRIs? 

SSRI/SNRIs are both classes of medications most often prescribed to treat depression and many other mental health conditions due to their safety, efficacy and tolerability. SSRI/SNRIs are considered a newer form of antidepressant with generally fewer side effects than older antidepressants.

SSRI/SNRIs are usually a once daily medication that comes in several forms, including tablets, capsules or as a liquid solution. Some common brand names for SSRI/SNRIs include:

  • Celexa (citalopram)
  • Lexapro (escitalopram)
  • Prozac/Sarafem (fluoxetine)
  • Luvox (fluvoxamine)
  • Paxil (paroxetine)
  • Zoloft (sertraline)
  • Viibryd (vilazodone)
  • Effexor (venlafaxine)
  • Pristiq/Khedezla (desvenlafaxine)
  • Cymbalta/Drizalma/Irenka (duloxetine)
  • Savella (Milnacipran)
  • Fetzima (Levomilnacipran)

What Health Conditions Can SSRI/SNRIs Treat?

SSRI/SNRIs are often used to treat conditions such as:

  • Depression, including treatment-resistant depression
  • Generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder
  • PTSD
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Panic disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Bulimia
  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
  • Chronic pain (SNRIs only)

How Do SSRI/SNRIs Work?A father and his son are enjoying a sunny day in the forest. 

Serotonin is often called your body’s “natural happiness chemical.” It’s a neurotransmitter that carries messages between nerve cells in the brain and throughout the body, according to research published by the National Library of Medicine. Serotonin has many functions – impacting everything from your mood, stress levels, memory, sleep, appetite and more. Once serotonin carries its message, nerve cells in your brain usually reabsorb it. Both SSRIs and SNRIs act on neurotransmitters, which are chemicals in the brain that help carry nerve signals between neurons.  The effect is an increase in the serotonin levels in your brain. You can check out Discover More About the Impact of Serotonin to learn more about serotonin and its effect on your health and wellness.

Are SSRI/SNRIs Right for Me?

No treatment affects every person in the same way. It’s important to work with your health care team to determine if medication, therapy, or a combination of both might be best for you. If medications are indicated, SSRI/SNRIs may help you manage a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety or PTSD.

Here are some things to consider about SSRI/SNRIs:

  • According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, SSRI/SNRIs can help “turn the volume down” on anxious thoughts. This can help patients engage more with other treatments including therapy, mindfulness, counseling, exercise, and more.
  • SSRI/SNRIs have relatively fewer side effects than other antidepressants and medications, but no medication is entirely free of side effects. Common side effects may include sleep disturbances, weight changes, dizziness, headache, nausea, nervousness, reduced sexual desire, and dry mouth. Many patients experience some mild side effects within the first two weeks which generally resolve.
  • All antidepressant medications come with a medical warning of a possible increased risk for suicide, especially among pediatric and young adult patients. All patients should be monitored when taking SSRI/SNRIs, and your provider should discuss any side effects you may experience.
  • You and your health care team should work together to determine the best course of treatment for you, including whether a medication is right for you. Be sure to discuss which medications and dosages may work best for you, and the impact of any side effects versus the benefits of the medication. Also discuss the potential risks associated with combining SSRI/SNRI medications with your current medications, including over the counter supplements, as well other treatment options that may work for your mental health challenges.
  • SSRI/SNRIs do not provide immediate relief, it will take several weeks before you feel the effects of the medication.
  • SSRI/SNRIs are considered non-addictive, but you should never stop taking them abruptly on your own. Always work with your health care team before making a change to your medication.
  • Everyone responds differently to SSRI/SNRIs, especially in terms of side effects. It may take time and a medication change to find the SSRI/SNRI that works best for you both in terms of symptom relief and side effects.

Resources

  • The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several mental health treatment options, including medications like SSRIs, therapy, peer support, counseling, self-management strategies, and more.
  • Make the Connection shares stories of Veterans who have overcome depression and other mental health challenges.
  • The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 and offers free, confidential help from caring, qualified responders. Call 988 and select 1.

You deserve to feel your best. Learning more about medications like SSRI/SNRIs, as well as other tools you can use to manage your mental health conditions is important to ensure you’re in control of your health and wellness.

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