Anti-Depressants | SNRIs

Question 1

What are the medications that are found in this class?

Answer 1

1. Duloxetine
2. Venlafaxine
3. Desvenlafaxine
4. Milnacipran
5. Levomilnacipran

Question 2

What is their MOA?

Answer 2

They work by inhibiting serotonin and epinephrine reuptake, therefore increasing their levels in the synaptic cleft overriding their shortage due to major depressive disorder

Question 3

What are their indications?

Answer 3

1. Major Depressive Disorder
2. Anxiety
3. Neuropathic Pain: peripheral neuropathy

Drug Specific Indications:
1. Venlafaxine:
i. social anxiety
ii. panic disorders
iii. OCD
iiii. post-menopausal flushes
iiiii. PTSD
2. Duloxetine:
i. Urinary Incontinence
ii. Fibromyalgia

Question 4

What are their side effects?

Answer 4

Serotonin-related side effects:
1. insomnia
2. GI disturbances
3. sexual dysfunction
4. serotonin syndrome
5. suicidal ideation (esp. patients below 25)

Norepinephrine-related side effects:
1. Increased BP
2. Sweating
3. Headaches