Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor

A serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) is an antidepressant drug that reduces the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine by nerve cells, increasing their availability for signaling.

Serotonin transporter: A membrane protein that clears serotonin from the synaptic space by transporting it back into cells. SNRIs inhibit this transporter, slowing serotonin reabsorption.
Major depressive disorder: A mental disorder characterized by persistent depressed mood or loss of interest and other symptoms that impair functioning. SNRIs are among the medication options for treating this disorder.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor: An antidepressant that primarily blocks serotonin reuptake. SSRIs target serotonin rather than both serotonin and norepinephrine.
Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome: A cluster of symptoms that can follow abrupt cessation or rapid dose reduction of an antidepressant. Shorter-acting SNRIs, especially venlafaxine, can cause prominent symptoms when stopped suddenly.
Norepinephrine transporter: A membrane protein that transports norepinephrine from the synaptic space back into cells. Blocking this transporter is the class’s second defining action.
Generalized anxiety disorder: An anxiety disorder involving excessive, persistent worry across multiple areas of life. Several SNRIs are approved or commonly prescribed for this condition.
Tricyclic antidepressant: An older antidepressant class that affects monoamine transporters and several other receptor systems. Tricyclics also inhibit serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake but generally have broader receptor effects.
Serotonin syndrome: A potentially life-threatening reaction caused by excessive serotonergic activity, often after medication interactions or overdose. Combining an SNRI with other serotonergic drugs can raise this risk.
Monoamine hypothesis: A family of hypotheses linking mood disorders to altered signaling by monoamine neurotransmitters. It provides a historical framework for targeting serotonin and norepinephrine, though it does not fully explain antidepressant effects.
Neuropathic pain: Pain caused by a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory nervous system. Some SNRIs reduce neuropathic pain, independent of their use for depression.

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