SSRI/SNRI

SEROTONIN FACTS

  • Chemical neurotransmitter that passes signals between brain cells
  • Can either enhance or slow the signal being passed
  • Influences many brain related functions
    • Mood and emotions
    • Sleep
    • Appetite
    • Memory and learning
    • Temperature regulation
    • Sexual desire and function

CAUSES OF ALTERED LEVELS

  • Inadequate production by brain cells
  • Lack of receptor sites in the brain
  • Shortage of tryptophan, an amino acid from which serotonin is made

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF LOW LEVELS

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Aggression
  • Irritability
  • Impulsiveness
  • Insomnia
  • Low self-esteem
  • Poor appetite

SELECTIVE SEROTONIN REUPTAKE INHIBITOR (SSRI) TREATMENT

Actions

  • Prevents the body from reabsorbing serotonin
  • Because reuptake is blocked more is available for use in the brain

Medications

  • Citalopram (Celexa)
  • Escitalopram (Lexapro)
  • Sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Paroxetine (Paxil)

Side Effects

  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety
  • Sweating
  • Unusual dreams
  • Lower sex drive
  • Serotonin syndrome
    • Read the website document Serotonin Syndrome for more information.

NOREPINEPHRINE FACTS

  • Chemical neurotransmitter that passes signals between brain cells
  • Naturally increases during times of intense stress
  • Influences many brain related functions
    • Mood and emotions
    • Sleep
    • Memory and learning
    • Attention
    • Pain response

CAUSES OF ALTERED LEVELS

  • Chronic stress
  • Poor nutrition
  • Obesity
  • Inefficient use of existing norepinephrine
  • Dementia
  • Parkinson’s disease

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF LOW LEVELS

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Apathy
  • Lack of energy
  • Insomnia
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Memory problems

SEROTONIN AND NOREPINEPRHINE REUPTAKE INHIBITOR (SNRI) TREATMENT

Action

  • Prevents the body from reabsorbing both serotonin and norepinephrine
  • Because reuptake is blocked more is available for use in the brain
  • May be prescribed for chronic pain

Medications

  • Venlafaxine (Effexor)
  • Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
  • Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Excessive sweating
  • Euphoria
  • Hyperactive behavior
  • Panic attacks
  • High blood pressure
  • Serotonin syndrome
    • Read the website document Serotonin Syndrome for more information.