Chemistry:Serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor

From HandWiki
Short description: Class of antidepressant medication
Serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
Drug class
Duloxetine.svg
Duloxetine, an example of an SNRI.
Class identifiers
SynonymsSelective Serotonin–noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor; SNaRI
UseDepression; Anxiety; Pain; Obesity; Menopausal symptoms
Biological targetSerotonin transporter; Norepinephrine transporter
External links
MeSHD000068760

Serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are a class of antidepressant medications used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety disorders, social phobia, chronic neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), and menopausal symptoms. Off-label uses include treatments for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), and migraine prevention.[1] SNRIs are monoamine reuptake inhibitors; specifically, they inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters are thought to play an important role in mood regulation. SNRIs can be contrasted with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs), which act upon single neurotransmitters.

The human serotonin transporter (SERT) and noradrenaline transporter (NAT) are membrane transport proteins that are responsible for the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline from the synaptic cleft back into the presynaptic nerve terminal. Dual inhibition of serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake can offer advantages over other antidepressant drugs by treating a wider range of symptoms.[2] They can be especially useful in concomitant chronic or neuropathic pain.[3]

SNRIs, along with SSRIs and NRIs, are second-generation antidepressants. Since their introduction in the late 1980s, second-generation antidepressants have largely replaced first-generation antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), as the drugs of choice for the treatment of MDD due to their improved tolerability and safety profile.[4]

Medications

Timeline-SNRIs-2010
Timeline of approved SNRIs.

There are eight FDA approved SNRIs in the United States, with venlafaxine being the first drug to be developed in 1993 and levomilnacipran being the latest drug to be developed in 2013. The drugs vary by their other medical uses, chemical structure, adverse effects, and efficacy.[5]

Medication Brand name FDA Indications Approval Year Chemical structure Notes
Desvenlafaxine[6] Pristiq

Khedezla (ER)

  • Major depressive disorder[7]
2007
Desvenlafaxine.svg
The active metabolite of venlafaxine. It is believed to work in a similar manner, though some evidence suggests lower response rates compared to venlafaxine and duloxetine. It was introduced by Wyeth in May 2008 and was then the third approved SNRI.[7]
Duloxetine[8] Cymbalta

Irenka

  • Major depressive disorder
  • Fibromyalgia[9]
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Diabetic neuropathy
  • Chronic musculoskeletal pain (e.g., low back pain)[10]
  • Stress urinary incontinence[11]
2004
Duloxetine
Approved for the treatment of depression and neuropathic pain in August 2004. Duloxetine is contraindicated in patients with heavy alcohol use or chronic liver disease, as duloxetine can increase the levels of certain liver enzymes that can lead to acute hepatitis or other diseases in certain at risk patients. The risk of liver damage appears to be only for patients already at risk, unlike the antidepressant nefazodone, which, though rare, can spontaneously cause liver failure in healthy patients.[12] Duloxetine is also approved for major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), diabetic neuropathy, chronic musculoskeletal pain, including chronic osteoarthritis pain and chronic low back pain.[10] Duloxetine also undergoes hepatic metabolism and has been shown to cause inhibition of the hepatic cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP 2D6.[13] Caution should be taken when taking Duloxetine with other medications that are metabolized by CYP 2D6 as this may precipitate a potential drug-drug interaction.[13]
Levomilnacipran Fetzima
  • Major depressive disorder
2013
Levomilnacipran
The levorotating isomer of milnacipran. Under development for the treatment of depression in the United States and Canada, it was approved by the FDA for treatment of MDD in July 2013.
Milnacipran Ixel
Savella
Impulsor
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Major depressive disorder[14]
1996
Milnacipran
Shown to be significantly effective in the treatment of depression and fibromyalgia.[14] The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved milnacipran for treatment of fibromyalgia in the United States in January 2009, however it is not approved for depression in that country.[citation needed] Milnacipran has been commercially available in Europe and Asia for several years.[citation needed] It was first introduced in France in 1996.[citation needed]
Sibutramine Meridia 1997
Sibutramine.svg
Tramadol Ultram
  • Acute and chronic pain
1977
Tramadol.svg
A dual weak opioid and SNRI. It was approved by the FDA in 1995, though it has been marketed in Germany since 1977. The drug is used to treat acute and chronic pain. It has shown effectiveness in the treatment of fibromyalgia, though it is not specifically approved for this purpose. The drug is also under investigation as an antidepressant and for the treatment of neuropathic pain. It is related in chemical structure to venlafaxine. Due to being an opioid, there is risk of abuse and addiction, but it does have less abuse potential, respiratory depression, and constipation compared to other opioids (hydrocodone, oxycodone, etc.).[16]
Venlafaxine Effexor
  • Major depressive disorder
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Social anxiety disorder
  • Panic disorder
  • Chronic pain syndromes[17]
  • Vasomotor symptoms of menopause (hot flashes)[18]
1994
Venlafaxine structure.svg
The first and most commonly used SNRI. It was introduced by Wyeth in 1994. The reuptake effects of venlafaxine are dose-dependent. At low doses (<150 mg/day), it acts only on serotonergic transmission. At moderate doses (>150 mg/day), it acts on serotonergic and noradrenergic systems, whereas at high doses (>300 mg/day), it also affects dopaminergic neurotransmission.[19] At small doses, venlafaxine has also been shown to be effective in treating vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats) of menopause and may be as effective as hormone replacement therapy (HRT).[18]

History

In 1952, iproniazid, an antimycobacterial agent, was discovered to have psychoactive properties while researched as a possible treatment for tuberculosis. Researchers noted that patients given iproniazid became cheerful, more optimistic, and more physically active. Soon after its development, iproniazid and related substances were shown to slow enzymatic breakdown of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine via inhibition of the enzyme monoamine oxidase. For this reason, this class of drugs became known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs. During this time development of distinctively different antidepressant agents was also researched. Imipramine became the first clinically useful tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). Imipramine was found to affect numerous neurotransmitter systems and to block the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin from the synapse, therefore increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters. Use of MAOIs and TCAs gave major advances in treatment of depression but their use was limited by unpleasant side effects and significant safety and toxicity issues.[20]

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the catecholamine hypothesis of emotion and its relation to depression was of wide interest and that the decreased levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine might play a role in the pathogenesis of depression. This led to the development of fluoxetine, the first SSRI. The improved safety and tolerability profile of the SSRIs in patients with MDD, compared with TCAs and MAOIs, represented yet another important advance in the treatment of depression.[20]

Since the late 1980s, SSRIs have dominated the antidepressant drug market. Today, there is increased interest in antidepressant drugs with broader mechanisms of action that may offer improvements in efficacy and tolerability. In 1993, a new drug was introduced to the US market called venlafaxine, a serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.[17] Venlafaxine was the first compound described in a new class of antidepressive substances called phenylethylamines. These substances are unrelated to TCA and other SSRIs. Venlafaxine blocks the neuronal reuptake of serotonin, noradrenaline, and, to a lesser extent, dopamine in the central nervous system. In contrast with several other antidepressant drugs, venlafaxine can induce a rapid onset of action mainly due to a subsequent norepinephrine reuptake inhibition.[21] See timeline in figure 1.

Timeline
Timeline of development of antidepressant agents.

Mechanism of action

Monoamines are connected to the pathophysiology of depression. Symptoms may occur because concentrations of neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and serotonin, are insufficient, leading to downstream changes.[9][22] Medications for depression affect the transmission of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.[9] Older and less selective antidepressants like TCAs and MAOIs inhibit the reuptake or metabolism of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain, which results in higher concentrations of neurotransmitters.[22] Antidepressants that have dual mechanisms of action inhibit the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine and, in some cases, inhibit with weak effect the reuptake of dopamine.[9] Antidepressants affect variable neuronal receptors such as muscarinic cholinergic, α1- and α2-adrenergic, H1-histaminergic, and sodium channels in the cardiac muscle, leading to decreased cardiac conduction and cardiotoxicity associated particularly with TCAs, and to a lesser extent with SSRIs.[23] Selectivity of antidepressant agents are based on the neurotransmitters that are thought to influence symptoms of depression.[24] Drugs that selectively block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine effectively treat depression and are better tolerated than TCAs. TCAs have comprehensive effects on various neurotransmitters receptors, which leads to lack of tolerability and increased risk of toxicity.[25]

Tricyclic antidepressants

Inhibiting the reuptake transport protein results in increased concentrations of serotonin and norepinephrine in the synaptic clefts, leading to improvement of depression symptoms.

TCAs were the first medications that had dual mechanism of action. The mechanism of action of tricyclic secondary amine antidepressants is only partly understood. TCAs have dual inhibition effects on norepinephrine reuptake transporters and serotonin reuptake transporters. Increased norepinephrine and serotonin concentrations are obtained by inhibiting both of these transporter proteins. TCAs have substantially more affinity for norepinephrine reuptake proteins than the SSRIs. This is because of a formation of secondary amine TCA metabolites.[26][27]

In addition, the TCAs interact with adrenergic receptors. This interaction seems to be critical for increased availability of norepinephrine in or near the synaptic clefts. Actions of imipramine-like tricyclic antidepressants have complex, secondary adaptions to their initial and sustained actions as inhibitors of norepinephrine transport and variable blockade of serotonin transport.

Norepinephrine interacts with postsynaptic α and β adrenergic receptor subtypes and presynaptic α2 autoreceptors. The α2 receptors include presynaptic autoreceptors which limit the neurophysiological activity of noradrenergic neurons in the central nervous system. Formation of norepinephrine is reduced by autoreceptors through the rate-limiting enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, an effect mediated by decreased cyclic AMP-mediated phosphorylation-activation of the enzyme.[27] α2 receptors also cause decreased intracellular cyclic AMP expression which results in smooth muscle relaxation or decreased secretion.[28]

TCAs activate a negative feedback mechanism through their effects on presynaptic receptors. One probable explanation for the effects on decreased neurotransmitter release is that, as the receptors activate, inhibition of neurotransmitter release occurs (including suppression of voltage-gated Ca2+ currents and activation of G protein-coupled receptor-operated K+ currents). Repeated exposure of agents with this type of mechanism leads to inhibition of neurotransmitter release, but repeated administration of TCAs finally leads to decreased responses by α2 receptors. The desensitization of these responses may be due to increased exposure to endogenous norepinephrine or from the prolonged occupation of the norepinephrine transport mechanisms (via an allosteric effect). The adaptation allows the presynaptic synthesis and secretion of norepinephrine to return to, or even exceed, normal levels of norepinephrine in the synaptic clefts. Overall, inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake induced by TCAs leads to decreased rates of neuron firing (mediated through α2 autoreceptors), metabolic activity, and release of neurotransmitters.[27]

TCAs do not block dopamine transport directly but might facilitate dopaminergic effects indirectly by inhibiting dopamine transport into noradrenergic terminals of the cerebral cortex.[27] Because they affect so many different receptors, TCAs have adverse effects, poor tolerability, and an increased risk of toxicity.[25]

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) selectively inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and are a widely used group of antidepressants.[29] With increased receptor selectivity compared to TCAs, undesired effects such as poor tolerability are avoided.[27] Serotonin is synthesized from an amino acid called L-tryptophan. Active transport system regulates the uptake of tryptophan across the blood–brain barrier. Serotonergic pathways are classified into two main ways in the brain: the ascending projections from the medial and dorsal raphe and the descending projections from the caudal raphe into the spinal cord.

Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors

Noradrenergic neurons are located in two major regions in the brain. These regions are locus coeruleus and lateral tegmental. With administration of SNRIs, neuronal activity in locus coeruleus region is induced because of increased concentration of norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft. This results in activation of α2 adrenergic receptors,[22] as discussed previously.

Assays have shown that SNRIs have insignificant penchant for mACh, α1 and α2 adrenergic, or H1 receptors.[24]

Dual serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors

Agents with dual serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition (SNRIs) are sometimes called non-tricyclic serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Clinical studies suggest that compounds that increase the concentration in the synaptic cleft of both norepinephrine and serotonin are more successful than single acting agents in the treatment of depression, but the data is not conclusive whether SNRIs are a more effective treatment option over SSRIs for depression.[30][31][32]

The non-tricyclic SNRIs have several important differences that are based on pharmacokinetics, metabolism to active metabolites, inhibition of CYP isoforms, effect of drug-drug interactions, and the half-life of the nontricyclic SNRIs.[26][33]

Combination of mechanisms of action in a single active agent is an important development in psychopharmacology.[33]

Structure activity relationship

Aryloxypropanamine scaffold

Several reuptake inhibitors contain an aryloxypropanamine scaffold. This structural motif has potential for high affinity binding to biogenic amine transports.[33] Drugs containing an aryloxypropanamine scaffold have selectivity profile for norepinephrine and serotonin transporters that depends on the substitution pattern of the aryloxy ring. Selective NRIs contain a substituent in 2' position of the aryloxy ring but SSRIs contain a substituent in 4' position of the aryloxy ring. Atomoxetine, nisoxetine and reboxetine all have a substitution group in the 2' position and are selective NRIs while compounds that have a substitution group in the 4' position (like fluoxetine and paroxetine) are SSRIs. Duloxetine contains a phenyl group fused at the 2' and 3' positions, therefore it has dual selective norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitory effects and has similar potencies for both transporters.[34] The nature of the aromatic substituent also has a significant influence on the activity and selectivity of the compounds as inhibitors of the serotonin or the norepinephrine transporters.[33]

Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination
Aryloxypropanamine scaffold and agents containing it.

Cycloalkanol ethylamine scaffold

Venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine contain a cycloalkanol ethylamine scaffold. Increasing the electron-withdrawing nature of the aromatic ring provides a more potent inhibitory effect of norepinephrine uptake and improves the selectivity for norepinephrine over the serotonin transporter.[34] Effects of chloro, methoxy and trifluoromethyl substituents in the aromatic ring of cycloalkanol ethylamine scaffold were tested. The results showed that the strongest electron-withdrawing m-trifluoromethyl analogue exhibited the most potent inhibitory effect of norepinephrine and the most selectivity over serotonin uptake.[34] WY-46824, a piperazine-containing derivative, has shown norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibition. Further synthesis and testing identified WAY-256805, a potent norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that exhibited excellent selectivity and was efficacious in animal models of depression, pain, and thermoregulatory dysfunction.[35]

Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination
Cycloalkanol ethylamine scaffold and agents containing it.

Milnacipran

Structure of milnacipran.

Milnacipran is structurally different from other SNRIs.[26] The structure activity relationship of milnacipran derivatives at the transporter level is still largely unclear and is based on in vivo efficacy that was reported in 1987. N-methylation of milnacipran in substituent group R4 and R5 reduces the norepinephrine and serotonin activity.[36] Researches on different secondary amides in substitution groups R6 and R7 showed that π electrons play an important role in the interaction between transporters and ligands. A phenyl group in substituent R6 showed effect on norepinephrine transporters. Substituent groups in R6 and R7 with allylic double bond showed significant improved effect on both norepinephrine and serotonin transporters.[36] Studies show that introducing a 2-methyl group in substituent R3, the potency at norepinephrine and serotonin transporters are almost abolished. Methyl groups in substituent groups R1 and R2 also abolish the potency at norepinephrine and serotonin transporters. Researchers found that replacing one of the ethyl groups of milnacipran with an allyl moiety increases the norepinephrine potency.[37] The pharmacophore of milnacipran derivatives is still largely unclear.[36]

The conformation of milnacipran is an important part of its pharmacophore. Changing its stereochemistry affects the norepinephrine and serotonin concentration. Milnacipran is marketed as a racemic mixture. Effects of milnacipran reside in the (1S,2R)-isomer and substitution of the phenyl group in the (1S,2R)-isomer has negative impact on norepinephrine concentration.[37] Milnacipran has low molecular weight and low lipophilicity. Because of these properties, milnacipran exhibits almost ideal pharmacokinetics in humans such as high bioavailability, low inter-subject variability, limited liver enzyme interaction, moderate tissue distribution and a reasonably long elimination half-life. Milnacipran's lack of drug-drug interactions via cytochrome P450 enzymes is thought to be an attractive feature because many of the central nervous system drugs are highly lipophilic and are mainly eliminated by liver enzymes.[37]

Future development of structure activity relationship

The application of an aryloxypropanamine scaffold has generated a number of potent MAOIs.[38] Before the development of duloxetine, the exploration of aryloxypropanamine structure activity relationships resulted in the identification of fluoxetine and atomoxetine. The same motif can be found in reboxetine where it is constrained in a morpholine ring system. Some studies have been made where the oxygen in reboxetine is replaced by sulfur to give arylthiomethyl morpholine. Some of the arylthiomethyl morpholine derivatives maintain potent levels of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition. Dual serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition resides in different enantiomers for arylthiomethyl morpholine scaffold.[39] Possible drug candidates with dual serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitory activity have also been derived from piperazine, 3-amino-pyrrolidine and benzylamine templates.[40]

Clinical trials

Depression

Several studies have shown that antidepressant drugs which have combined serotonergic and noradrenergic activity are generally more effective than SSRIs, which act upon serotonin reuptake by itself. Serotonergic-noradrenergic antidepressant drugs may have a modest efficacy advantage compared to SSRIs in treating major depressive disorder (MDD),[41] but are slightly less well tolerated.[42] Further research is needed to examine the possible differences of efficacy in specific MDD sub-populations or for specific MDD symptoms, between these classes of antidepressant drugs.

Analgesic

Data from clinical trials have indicated that SNRIs might have pain relieving properties. Although the perception and transmission of pain stimuli in the central nervous system have not been fully elucidated, extensive data support a role for serotonin and norepinephrine in the modulation of pain. Findings from clinical trials in humans have shown these antidepressants can help to reduce pain and functional impairment in central and neuropathic pain conditions. This property of SNRIs might be used to reduce doses of other pain relieving medication and lower the frequency of safety, limited efficacy and tolerability issues.[43] Clinical research data have shown in patients with GAD that the SNRI duloxetine is significantly more effective than placebo in reducing pain-related symptoms of GAD, after short-term and long-term treatment. However, findings suggested that such symptoms of physical pain reoccur in relapse situations, which indicates a need for ongoing treatment in patients with GAD and concurrent painful physical symptoms.[44]

Indications

SNRIs have been tested for treatment of the following conditions:

Pharmacology

Route of administration

SNRIs are delivered orally, usually in the form of capsules or tablets. It is recommended to take SNRIs in the morning with breakfast, which does not affect drug levels, but may help with certain side effects.[46] Norepinephrine has activating effects in the body and therefore can cause insomnia in some patients if taken at bedtime.[47] SNRIs can also cause nausea, which is usually mild and goes away within a few weeks of treatment, but taking the medication with food can help alleviate this.[48]

Mode of action

The condition for which SNRIs are mostly indicated, major depressive disorder, was thought to be mainly caused by decreased levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft, causing erratic signaling. This theory, however, has been refuted.[49] Based on the monoamine hypothesis of depression, which asserts that decreased concentrations of monoamine neurotransmitters leads to depressive symptoms, the following relations were determined: "Norepinephrine may be related to alertness and energy as well as anxiety, attention, and interest in life; [lack of] serotonin to anxiety, obsessions, and compulsions; and dopamine to attention, motivation, pleasure, and reward, as well as interest in life."[50] SNRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. This results in increased extracellular concentrations of serotonin and norepinephrine and, consequently, an increase in neurotransmission. Most SNRIs including venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine, and duloxetine, are several fold more selective for serotonin over norepinephrine, while milnacipran is three times more selective for norepinephrine than serotonin. Elevation of norepinephrine levels is thought to be necessary for an antidepressant to be effective against neuropathic pain, a property shared with the older tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), but not with the SSRIs.[51]

Recent studies have shown that depression may be linked to increased inflammatory response,[52] thus attempts at finding an additional mechanism for SNRIs have been made. Studies have shown that SNRIs as well as SSRIs have significant anti-inflammatory action on microglia[53] in addition to their effect on serotonin and norepinephrine levels. As such, it is possible that an additional mechanism of these drugs that acts in combination with the previously understood mechanism exist. The implication behind these findings suggests use of SNRIs as potential anti-inflammatories following brain injury or any other disease where swelling of the brain is an issue. However, regardless of the mechanism, the efficacy of these drugs in treating the diseases for which they have been indicated has been proven, both clinically and in practice.[improper synthesis?]

Pharmacodynamics

Most SNRIs function alongside primary metabolites and secondary metabolites in order to inhibit reuptake of serotonin, norepinepherine, and marginal amounts of dopamine. For example, venlafaxine works alongside its primary metabolite O-desmethylvenlafaxine to strongly inhibit serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake in the brain. The evidence also suggests that dopamine and norepinephrine behave in a co-transportational manner, due to the inactivation of dopamine by norepinephrine reuptake in the frontal cortex, an area of the brain largely lacking in dopamine transporters. This effect of SNRIs results in increased dopamine neurotransmission, in addition to the increases in serotonin and norepinephrine activity.[54] Furthermore, because SNRIs are extremely selective, they have no measurable effects on other, unintended receptors, in contrast to monoamine oxidase inhibition.[55] Pharmaceutical tests have determined that use of both SNRIs or SSRIs can generate significant anti-inflammatory action on microglia, as well.[53][15][56][57][10][58]

Activity profiles

Compound SERT NET ~Ratio
(5-HT : NE)
Ki IC50 Ki IC50
Venlafaxine 7.8 145 1,920 1420 9.8:1
Des-venlafaxine 40.2 47.3 558.4 531.3
Duloxetine 0.07 3.7 1.17 20 5.4:1
Atomoxetine 87[59] 5.4[59] 0.06:1
(= 1:16)
Milnacipran 8.44 151 22 68 0.45:1 (= 1:2.2)
Levo-milnacipran 11.2 19.0 92.2 10.5
All of the Ki and IC50 values are nM. The 5-HT/NE ratio is
based on IC50 values for the SERT and NET.[60]

Pharmacokinetics

The half-life of venlafaxine is about 5 hours, and with once-daily dosing, steady-state concentration is achieved after about 3 days, though its active metabolite desvenlafaxine lasts longer.[57] The half-life of desvenlafaxine is about 11 hours, and steady-state concentrations are achieved after 4 to 5 days.[56] The half-life of duloxetine is about 12 hours (range: 8–17 hours), and steady-state is achieved after about 3 days.[10] Milnacipran has a half-life of about 6 to 8 hours, and steady-state levels are reached within 36 to 48 hours.[58]

Contraindications

SNRIs are contraindicated in patients taking MAOIs within the last two weeks due to the increased risk of serotonin syndrome, which can be life-threatening.[61] Other drugs and substances that should be avoided due to increased risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with an SNRI include: other anti-depressants, anti-convulsants, analgesics, antiemetic agents, anti-migraine medications, methylene blue, linezolid, Lithium, St. John's wort, ecstasy, and LSD.[61] Signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome include: hyperthermia, rigidity, myoclonus, autonomic instability with fluctuating vital signs, and mental status changes that include extreme agitation progressing to delirium and coma.[10]

Due to the effects of increased norepinephrine levels and, therefore, higher noradrenergic activity, pre-existing hypertension should be controlled before treatment with SNRIs and blood pressure periodically monitored throughout treatment.[62] Duloxetine has also been associated with cases of liver failure and should not be prescribed to patients with chronic alcohol use or liver disease. Studies have found that Duloxetine can increase liver function tests three times above their upper normal limit.[63] Patients with coronary artery disease should caution the use of SNRIs.[64] Furthermore, due to some SNRIs' actions on obesity, patients with major eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia should not be prescribed SNRIs.[15] Duloxetine and milnacipran are also contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, as they have been shown to increase incidence of mydriasis.[10][58]

Side effects

Because the SNRIs and SSRIs act in similar ways to elevate serotonin levels, they share many side effects, though to varying degrees. The most common side effects include nausea/vomiting, sweating, loss of appetite, dizziness, headache, increase in suicidal thoughts, and sexual dysfunction.[65] Elevation of norepinephrine levels can sometimes cause anxiety, mildly elevated pulse, and elevated blood pressure. However, norepinephrine-selective antidepressants, such as reboxetine and desipramine, have successfully treated anxiety disorders.[66] People at risk for hypertension and heart disease should monitor their blood pressure.[15][56][57][10][58]

Sexual Dysfunction

SNRIs, similarly to SSRIs, can cause several types of sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, sexual anhedonia, and anorgasmia.[10][57][67] The two common sexual side effects are diminished interest in sex (libido) and difficulty reaching climax (anorgasmia), which are usually somewhat milder with SNRIs compared to SSRIs.[68] To manage sexual dysfunction, studies have shown that switching to or augmenting with bupropion or adding a PDE5 Inhibitor have decreased symptoms of sexual dysfunction.[69] Studies have shown that PDE5 Inhibitors, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and avanafil (Stendra), have sometimes been helpful to decrease the sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction, although they have been shown to be more effective in men than women.[69]

Serotonin Syndrome

A serious, but rare, side effect of SNRIs is serotonin syndrome, which is caused by an excess of serotonin in the body. Serotonin syndrome can be caused by taking multiple serotonergic drugs, such as SSRIs or SNRIs. Other drugs that contribute to serotonin syndrome include MAO inhibitors, linezolid, tedizolid, methylene blue, procarbazine, amphetamines, clomipramine, and more.[70] Early symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, agitation, confusion, muscle rigidity, dilated pupils, hyperthermia, rigidity, and goose bumps. More severe symptoms include fever, seizures, irregular heartbeat, delirium, and coma.[71][72][10] If signs or symptoms arise, discontinue treatment with serotonergic agents immediately.[71] It is recommended to washout 4 to 5 half-lives of the serotonergic agent before using an MAO inhibitor.[73]

Bleeding

Some studies suggest there are risks of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, especially venlafaxine, due to impairment of platelet aggregation and depletion of platelet serotonin levels.[74][75] Similarly to SSRIs, SNRIs may interact with anticoagulants, like warfarin. There is more evidence of SSRIs having higher risk of bleeding than SNRIs.[74] Studies have suggested caution when using SNRIs or SSRIs with high doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen due to an increased risk of upper GI bleeding.[32]

Visual problems

Main page: Unsolved:Visual snow syndrome
Image depicting the vision of someone with visual snow syndrome or hallucinogen persisting perception disorder.

Similarly to other antidepressants, SNRI medications have been found to cause visual snow syndrome, a condition characterized by visual static, palinopsia (negative after image), nyctalopia (poor vision at night), and photophobia (brighter presentation of lights or highlighted colors). Evidence shows that 8.9% of those taking SNRIs experienced visual snow, 10.5% experienced palinopsia, 15.3% experienced photophobia, and 17.7% experienced nyctolopia as the result of SNRI prescription intake. Amitriptyline, and citalopram have also been reported to worsen or cause symptoms of VSS.[76]

Precautions

Starting an SNRI regimen

Due to the extreme changes in noradrenergic activity produced from norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibition, patients that are just starting an SNRI regimen are usually given lower doses than their expected final dosing to allow the body to acclimate to the drug's effects. As the patient continues along at low doses without any side-effects, the dose is incrementally increased until the patient sees improvement in symptoms without detrimental side-effects.[77]

Discontinuation syndrome

As with SSRIs, the abrupt discontinuation of an SNRI usually leads to withdrawal, or "discontinuation syndrome", which could include states of anxiety and other symptoms. Therefore, it is recommended that users seeking to discontinue an SNRI slowly taper the dose under the supervision of a professional. Discontinuation syndrome has been reported to be markedly worse for venlafaxine when compared to other SNRIs. As such, as tramadol is related to venlafaxine, the same conditions apply.[78] This is likely due to venlafaxine's relatively short half-life and therefore rapid clearance upon discontinuation. In some cases, switching from venlafaxine to fluoxetine, a long-acting SSRI, and then tapering off fluoxetine, may be recommended to reduce discontinuation symptoms.[79][80] Signs and symptoms of withdrawal from abrupt cessation of an SNRI include dizziness, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, sweating, and flu-like symptoms, such as lethargy and malaise.[81]

Overdose

Causes

Overdosing on SNRIs can be caused by either drug combinations or excessive amounts of the drug itself. Venlafaxine is marginally more toxic in overdose than duloxetine or the SSRIs.[15][56][57][10][58][82]

Symptoms

Symptoms of SNRI overdose, whether it be a mixed drug interaction or the drug alone, vary in intensity and incidence based on the amount of medicine taken and the individuals sensitivity to SNRI treatment. Possible symptoms may include:[10]

Management

Overdose is usually treated symptomatically, especially in the case of serotonin syndrome, which requires treatment with cyproheptadine and temperature control based on the progression of the serotonin toxicity.[83] Patients are often monitored for vitals and airways cleared to ensure that they are receiving adequate levels of oxygen. Another option is to use activated carbon in the GI tract in order to absorb excess neurotransmitter.[10]

Comparison to SSRIs

Because SNRIs were developed more recently than SSRIs, there are relatively few of them. However, the SNRIs are among the most widely used antidepressants today. In 2009, Cymbalta and Effexor were the 11th- and 12th-most-prescribed branded drugs in the United States, respectively. This translates to the 2nd- and 3rd-most-common antidepressants, behind Lexapro (escitalopram), an SSRI.[84] In some studies, SNRIs demonstrated slightly higher antidepressant efficacy than the SSRIs (response rates 63.6% versus 59.3%).[41] However, in one study escitalopram had a superior efficacy profile to venlafaxine.[85]

Special populations

Pregnancy

No antidepressants are FDA approved during pregnancy.[86] Use of antidepressants during pregnancy may result in fetus abnormalities affecting functional development of the brain and behavior.[86]

Pediatrics

SSRIs and SNRIs have been shown to be effective in treating major depressive disorder and anxiety in pediatric populations.[87] However, there is a risk of increased suicidality in pediatric populations for treatment of major depressive disorder, especially with venlafaxine.[87] Fluoxetine is the only antidepressant that is approved for child/adolescent major depressive disorder.[88]

Geriatrics

Most antidepressants, including SNRIs, are safe and effective in the geriatric population. Decisions are often based on co-morbid conditions, drug interactions, and patient tolerance. Due to differences in body composition and metabolism, starting doses are often half that of the recommended dose for younger adults.[89]

Research

A systematic review that looked at the efficacy of antidepressants for pain relief concludes that only 11 of 42 comparisons showed evidence of efficacy. Seven of the eleven comparisons belong to the SNRI drug class.[90]

References

  1. Cleveland Clinic medical professional (2023-03-05). "SNRIs". https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24797-snri. 
  2. "Inhibition of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and inhibition of phosphodiesterase by multi-target inhibitors as potential agents for depression". Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry 17 (19): 6890–6897. October 2009. doi:10.1016/j.bmc.2009.08.025. PMID 19740668. 
  3. "An update on the pharmacologic management and treatment of neuropathic pain". JAAPA 30 (3): 13–17. March 2017. doi:10.1097/01.JAA.0000512228.23432.f7. PMID 28151738. 
  4. "Clinically relevant pharmacokinetic drug interactions with second-generation antidepressants: an update". Clinical Therapeutics 30 (7): 1206–1227. July 2008. doi:10.1016/S0149-2918(08)80047-1. PMID 18691982. 
  5. "A brief history of the development of antidepressant drugs: from monoamines to glutamate". Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology 23 (1): 1–21. February 2015. doi:10.1037/a0038550. PMID 25643025. 
  6. "Desvenlafaxine succinate: A new serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor". The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 318 (2): 657–665. August 2006. doi:10.1124/jpet.106.103382. PMID 16675639. 
  7. 7.0 7.1 "Desvenlafaxine: a new serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor for the treatment of adults with major depressive disorder". Clinical Therapeutics 31 Pt 1 (1): 1374–1404. June 2009. doi:10.1016/j.clinthera.2009.07.012. PMID 19698900. 
  8. "Efficacy of duloxetine, a potent and balanced serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor in persistent pain models in rats". The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 311 (2): 576–584. November 2004. doi:10.1124/jpet.104.070656. PMID 15254142. 
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 "Duloxetine hydrochloride: a new dual-acting medication for the treatment of major depressive disorder". Clinical Therapeutics 27 (8): 1126–1143. August 2005. doi:10.1016/j.clinthera.2005.08.010. PMID 16199241. 
  10. 10.00 10.01 10.02 10.03 10.04 10.05 10.06 10.07 10.08 10.09 10.10 10.11 "Cymbalta- duloxetine hydrochloride capsule, delayed release". 20 September 2021. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=2f7d4d67-10c1-4bf4-a7f2-c185fbad64ba. 
  11. "Yentreve (duloxetine hydrochloride) Hard Gastro-Resistant Capsules. Summary of Product Characteristics". European Medicines Agency. http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_-_Product_Information/human/000545/WC500045643.pdf. 
  12. "Nefazodone hydrochloride tablet". 16 November 2021. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=51ff7db5-aaf9-4c3c-86e6-958ebf16b60f. 
  13. 13.0 13.1 "Duloxetine: a review of its use in the treatment of major depressive disorder". CNS Drugs 21 (7): 581–609. 2007. doi:10.2165/00023210-200721070-00004. PMID 17579500. 
  14. 14.0 14.1 "The clinical use of milnacipran for depression". European Psychiatry 18 (1): 34–35. February 2003. doi:10.1016/S0924-9338(02)00003-2. PMID 12648895. 
  15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 "Meridia (sibutramine hydrochloride monohydrate) Capsules C-IV. Full Prescribing Information (archived label)". Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/archives/fdaDrugInfo.cfm?archiveid=141744. 
  16. "Tramadol sustained-release capsules". Drugs 66 (2): 223–230. 2006. doi:10.2165/00003495-200666020-00006. PMID 16451094. 
  17. 17.0 17.1 "Venlafaxine: a 2003 update". Clinical Therapeutics 25 (8): 2138–2154. August 2003. doi:10.1016/s0149-2918(03)80210-2. PMID 14512125. 
  18. 18.0 18.1 "Low-dose estradiol and the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor venlafaxine for vasomotor symptoms: a randomized clinical trial". JAMA Internal Medicine 174 (7): 1058–1066. July 2014. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.1891. PMID 24861828. 
  19. "Dose-dependent noradrenergic and serotonergic properties of venlafaxine in animal models indicative of antidepressant activity". Psychopharmacology 138 (1): 1–8. July 1998. doi:10.1007/s002130050638. PMID 9694520. 
  20. 20.0 20.1 "History of the Use of Antidepressants in Primary Care". Primary Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry 5 (S7): 6–10. 2003. http://www.psychiatrist.com/pcc/pccpdf/v05s07/v05s0702.pdf. 
  21. "An open assessment of the acceptability, efficacy, and tolerance of venlafaxine in usual care settings". Current Therapeutic Research 58 (9): 609–630. 1997. doi:10.1016/S0011-393X(97)80088-4. 
  22. 22.0 22.1 22.2 "Comparative study of the effects of desipramine and reboxetine on locus coeruleus neurons in rat brain slices". Neuropharmacology 46 (6): 815–823. May 2004. doi:10.1016/j.neuropharm.2003.11.033. PMID 15033341. 
  23. "Cardiovascular side effects of new antidepressants and antipsychotics: new drugs, old concerns?". Current Pharmaceutical Design 10 (20): 2463–2475. 2004. doi:10.2174/1381612043383872. PMID 15320756. 
  24. 24.0 24.1 "The role of noradrenaline and selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibition in depression". European Neuropsychopharmacology 12 (5): 461–475. October 2002. doi:10.1016/s0924-977x(02)00057-3. PMID 12208564. 
  25. 25.0 25.1 "SNRIs: their pharmacology, clinical efficacy, and tolerability in comparison with other classes of antidepressants". CNS Spectrums 10 (9): 732–747. September 2005. doi:10.1017/S1092852900019726. PMID 16142213. 
  26. 26.0 26.1 26.2 Foye's principles of medicinal chemistry (6th ed.). USA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2008. pp. 547–67; 581–582. 
  27. 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 27.4 Goodman & Gilman's: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics (11 ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. 2006. 
  28. Silverthorn, D.U., ed (2007). Human Physiology (4 ed.). San Francisco: Pearson. pp. 383–384. 
  29. "Mechanisms of action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in the treatment of psychiatric disorders". European Neuropsychopharmacology 9 (Suppl 3): S81–S86. July 1999. doi:10.1016/S0924-977X(99)00030-9. PMID 10523062. 
  30. "Antidepressant efficacy and side-effect burden: a quick guide for clinicians". Drugs in Context 4: 212290. 2015. doi:10.7573/dic.212290. PMID 26576188. 
  31. "The role of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in preventing relapse of major depressive disorder". Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology 8 (1): 49–58. January 2018. doi:10.1177/2045125317737264. PMID 29344343. 
  32. 32.0 32.1 Applied Therapeutics: The Clinical Use of Drugs, 11e. Wolters Kluwer. 2018. pp. 1813–1833. ISBN 9781496318299. 
  33. 33.0 33.1 33.2 33.3 "Discovery and structure-activity relationships of novel selective norepinephrine and dual serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors". Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters 15 (3): 699–703. February 2005. doi:10.1016/j.bmcl.2004.11.025. PMID 15664840. 
  34. 34.0 34.1 34.2 "Synthesis and activity of a new class of dual acting norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitors: 3-(1H-indol-1-yl)-3-arylpropan-1-amines". Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry 14 (24): 8455–8466. December 2006. doi:10.1016/j.bmc.2006.08.039. PMID 16973367. 
  35. "Structure-activity relationships of the cycloalkanol ethylamine scaffold: discovery of selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors". Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 51 (13): 4038–4049. July 2008. doi:10.1021/jm8002262. PMID 18557608. 
  36. 36.0 36.1 36.2 "Studies on the SAR and pharmacophore of milnacipran derivatives as monoamine transporter inhibitors". Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters 18 (4): 1346–1349. February 2008. doi:10.1016/j.bmcl.2008.01.011. PMID 18207394. 
  37. 37.0 37.1 37.2 "Identification of 1S,2R-milnacipran analogs as potent norepinephrine and serotonin transporter inhibitors". Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters 18 (11): 3328–3332. June 2008. doi:10.1016/j.bmcl.2008.04.025. PMID 18445525. 
  38. "3-(Arylamino)-3-phenylpropan-2-olamines as a new series of dual norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitors". Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters 19 (9): 2464–2467. May 2009. doi:10.1016/j.bmcl.2009.03.054. PMID 19329313. 
  39. "Benzothienyloxy phenylpropanamines, novel dual inhibitors of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake". Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters 14 (21): 5395–5399. November 2004. doi:10.1016/j.bmcl.2004.08.005. PMID 15454233. 
  40. "Design and synthesis of morpholine derivatives. SAR for dual serotonin & noradrenaline reuptake inhibition". Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters 18 (8): 2562–2566. April 2008. doi:10.1016/j.bmcl.2008.03.050. PMID 18387300. 
  41. 41.0 41.1 "Are antidepressant drugs that combine serotonergic and noradrenergic mechanisms of action more effective than the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in treating major depressive disorder? A meta-analysis of studies of newer agents". Biological Psychiatry 62 (11): 1217–1227. December 2007. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2007.03.027. PMID 17588546. 
  42. "A double-blind, placebo-controlled comparison of venlafaxine and fluoxetine treatment in depressed outpatients". Journal of Psychiatric Research 41 (3–4): 351–359. 2007. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2005.07.009. PMID 16165158. 
  43. "Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors for pain control: premise and promise". Current Neuropharmacology 7 (4): 331–336. December 2009. doi:10.2174/157015909790031201. PMID 20514212. 
  44. "The short- and long-term effect of duloxetine on painful physical symptoms in patients with generalized anxiety disorder: results from three clinical trials". Journal of Anxiety Disorders 23 (8): 1064–1071. December 2009. doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2009.07.008. PMID 19643572. http://tud.qucosa.de/id/qucosa%3A26856. 
  45. "SNRIs pharmacological alternatives for the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder?". Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience 8 (6): 10–14. June 2011. PMID 21779536. 
  46. "Pharmacokinetics and effect of food on the bioavailability of orally administered venlafaxine". Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 37 (10): 954–961. October 1997. doi:10.1002/j.1552-4604.1997.tb04270.x. PMID 9505987. 
  47. "Effects of Antidepressants on Sleep". Current Psychiatry Reports 19 (9): 63. August 2017. doi:10.1007/s11920-017-0816-4. PMID 28791566. 
  48. "Helpful for chronic pain in addition to depression". https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/antidepressants/art-20044970. 
  49. Moncrieff, Joanna; Cooper, Ruth E.; Stockmann, Tom; Amendola, Simone; Hengartner, Michael P.; Horowitz, Mark A. (2022-07-20). "The serotonin theory of depression: a systematic umbrella review of the evidence" (in en). Molecular Psychiatry 28 (8): 3243–3256. doi:10.1038/s41380-022-01661-0. ISSN 1476-5578. PMID 35854107. 
  50. "Relationship of neurotransmitters to the symptoms of major depressive disorder". The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 69 Suppl E1: 4–7. 2008. PMID 18494537. 
  51. "Antidepressants in the treatment of neuropathic pain". Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology 96 (6): 399–409. June 2005. doi:10.1111/j.1742-7843.2005.pto_96696601.x. PMID 15910402. 
  52. "Inflammation in depression: is adiposity a cause?". Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience 13 (1): 41–53. 2011. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2011.13.1/rshelton. PMID 21485745. 
  53. 53.0 53.1 "A comparative examination of the anti-inflammatory effects of SSRI and SNRI antidepressants on LPS stimulated microglia". Brain, Behavior, and Immunity 26 (3): 469–479. March 2012. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2011.12.011. PMID 22251606. 
  54. "Cambridge University Press - Service Announcement". http://stahlonline.cambridge.org/prescribers_drug.jsf?page=9781107675025c127.html.therapeutics&name=Venlafaxine&title=Therapeutics. 
  55. "SNRIs: mechanism of action and clinical features". Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics 2 (6): 849–858. November 2002. doi:10.1586/14737175.2.6.849. PMID 19810918. 
  56. 56.0 56.1 56.2 56.3 "Pristiq Extended-Release- desvenlafaxine succinate tablet, extended release". 25 March 2022. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=0f43610c-f290-46ea-d186-4f998ed99fce. 
  57. 57.0 57.1 57.2 57.3 57.4 "Effexor XR- venlafaxine hydrochloride capsule, extended release". 29 August 2022. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=53c3e7ac-1852-4d70-d2b6-4fca819acf26. 
  58. 58.0 58.1 58.2 58.3 58.4 "Savella- milnacipran hydrochloride tablet, film coated Savella- milnacipran hydrochloride kit". 23 December 2022. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=16a4a314-f97e-4e91-95e9-576a3773d284. 
  59. 59.0 59.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Upadhyaya Desaiah Schuh Bymaster pp. 189–200
  60. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named pmid28503727
  61. 61.0 61.1 "The serotonin syndrome". The New England Journal of Medicine 352 (11): 1112–1120. March 2005. doi:10.1056/NEJMra041867. PMID 15784664. 
  62. "A meta-analysis of effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on blood pressure in depression treatment: outcomes from placebo and serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor controlled trials". Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment 13: 2781–2796. November 2017. doi:10.2147/NDT.S141832. PMID 29158677. 
  63. McIntyre RS et al. The hepatic safety profile of duloxetine: a review. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol. 2008;4(3):281–285.
  64. "Comprehensive review of cardiovascular toxicity of drugs and related agents". Medicinal Research Reviews 38 (4): 1332–1403. July 2018. doi:10.1002/med.21476. PMID 29315692. 
  65. "SNRI Antidepressants". https://poison.org/articles/2016%20sep/snri. 
  66. "Reboxetine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for panic disorder". The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 63 (1): 31–37. January 2002. doi:10.4088/jcp.v63n0107. PMID 11838623. 
  67. "Antidepressants and Sexual Dysfunctions: a Translational Perspective". Current Sexual Health Reports 11 (3): 156–166. 2019-09-01. doi:10.1007/s11930-019-00205-y. 
  68. "Major depressive disorder, antidepressants, and sexual dysfunction". The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 67 (Suppl 6): 33–37. 2006. PMID 16848675. 
  69. 69.0 69.1 "Sexual dysfunction in selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and potential solutions: A narrative literature review". The Mental Health Clinician 6 (4): 191–196. July 2016. doi:10.9740/mhc.2016.07.191. PMID 29955469. 
  70. "Serotonin syndrome: Preventing, recognizing, and treating it". https://www.mdedge.com/ccjm/article/120386/neurology/serotonin-syndrome-preventing-recognizing-and-treating-it. 
  71. 71.0 71.1 "Recognition and treatment of serotonin syndrome". Canadian Family Physician 54 (7): 988–992. July 2008. PMID 18625822. 
  72. "SNRI Antidepressants". https://poison.org/articles/2016%20sep/snri. 
  73. "The effect of rate of antidepressant tapering on the incidence of discontinuation symptoms: a randomised study". Journal of Psychopharmacology 22 (3): 330–332. May 2008. doi:10.1177/0269881107081550. PMID 18515448. 
  74. 74.0 74.1 "Bleeding incidence with concomitant use of antidepressants and warfarin". Therapeutic Drug Monitoring 33 (4): 433–438. August 2011. doi:10.1097/FTD.0b013e318224996e. PMID 21743381. 
  75. "Use of SSRI, But Not SNRI, Increased Upper and Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study in Taiwan". Medicine 94 (46): e2022. November 2015. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000002022. PMID 26579809. 
  76. Curr Neurol, Neurosci Rep. (2022). "Visual Snow: Updates on Pathology". Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports (National Institutes of Health) 22 (3): 209–217. doi:10.1007/s11910-022-01182-x. PMID 35235167. 
  77. "Duloxetine: Drug Information". UpToDate. http://www.uptodate.com/contents/duloxetine-drug-information. 
  78. "A randomized, double-blind comparison of duloxetine and venlafaxine in the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder". Journal of Psychiatric Research 42 (1): 22–34. January 2008. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2007.01.008. PMID 17445831. 
  79. "A review of the management of antidepressant discontinuation symptoms". Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology 5 (6): 357–368. December 2015. doi:10.1177/2045125315612334. PMID 26834969. 
  80. "Withdrawal Symptoms after Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor Discontinuation: Systematic Review". Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics 87 (4): 195–203. 2018. doi:10.1159/000491524. PMID 30016772. 
  81. "Withdrawal Symptoms after Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor Discontinuation: Systematic Review". Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics 87 (4): 195–203. 2018. doi:10.1159/000491524. PMID 30016772. 
  82. "A review of the suitability of duloxetine and venlafaxine for use in patients with depression in primary care with a focus on cardiovascular safety, suicide and mortality due to antidepressant overdose". Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology 3 (3): 151–161. June 2013. doi:10.1177/2045125312472890. PMID 24167687. 
  83. "Serotonin Syndrome". StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. 2019. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482377/. Retrieved 2019-11-21. 
  84. "2009 Top 200 branded drugs by total prescriptions". SDI/Verispan, VONA, full year 2009. www.drugtopics.com. http://drugtopics.modernmedicine.com/drugtopics/data/articlestandard//drugtopics/252010/674969/article.pdf. 
  85. "Escitalopram in the treatment of major depressive disorder: clinical efficacy, tolerability and cost-effectiveness vs. venlafaxine extended-release formulation". International Journal of Clinical Practice 61 (4): 702–710. April 2007. doi:10.1111/j.1742-1241.2007.01335.x. PMID 17394446. 
  86. 86.0 86.1 "Risks of using SSRI / SNRI antidepressants during pregnancy and lactation". Interdisciplinary Toxicology 10 (1): 30–34. September 2017. doi:10.1515/intox-2017-0004. PMID 30123033. 
  87. 87.0 87.1 "The Impact of Antidepressant Dose and Class on Treatment Response in Pediatric Anxiety Disorders: A Meta-Analysis". Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 57 (4): 235–244.e2. April 2018. doi:10.1016/j.jaac.2018.01.015. PMID 29588049. 
  88. "Fluoxetine for acute treatment of depression in children and adolescents: a placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial". Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 41 (10): 1205–1215. October 2002. doi:10.1097/00004583-200210000-00010. PMID 12364842. 
  89. "A systematic approach to pharmacotherapy for geriatric major depression". Clinics in Geriatric Medicine 30 (3): 517–534. August 2014. doi:10.1016/j.cger.2014.05.002. PMID 25037293. 
  90. "Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of antidepressants for pain in adults: overview of systematic reviews". BMJ 380: e072415. February 2023. doi:10.1136/bmj-2022-072415. PMID 36725015.