Serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor

Serotonin–Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor

The Serotonin–Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI) is a class of antidepressant drugs that treat major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social phobia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), chronic neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), and menopausal symptoms. SNRIs work by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain by inhibiting their reuptake into cells.

Etymology

The term "Serotonin–Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor" is derived from the drug's mechanism of action. It inhibits the reuptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, thereby increasing their levels in the brain.

History

The first SNRI, venlafaxine, was introduced by Wyeth in 1993. The FDA approved it for the treatment of depression, and later for anxiety disorders and certain types of pain. Following venlafaxine, the next SNRI to be approved was duloxetine (Cymbalta) by Eli Lilly in 2004. Duloxetine was approved for the treatment of major depression and neuropathic pain.

Mechanism of Action

SNRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. This results in an increase in the extracellular concentrations of these neurotransmitters and therefore an increase in neurotransmission.

Related Terms

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs)
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

See Also

• List of antidepressants
• List of psychiatric medications by condition treated

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