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.