SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor) Mnemonics

Published by Latrina Walden

  • February 19, 2025
  • 01:10

Latrina Walden

Founder & CEO of LWES | MSN, MHA, FNP-C, FNP-BC, PMHNP

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Meet The Author

Latrina Walden

Latrina is the Founder & CEO of Latrina Walden Exam Solutions (LWES). Her background is in creating a NP Academy that supports and educates current and future nurses through an Academy.
Follow her on Linkedin for more tips & advice in the nursing world.

Table of Contents

    Key Points:

    • Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are a class of medications (ie. venlafaxine and duloxetine) that are effective in treating depression.
    • SNRI drugs also treat anxiety disorders and long-term (chronic) pain, especially nerve pain.
    • SNRI medication works to increase serotonin and norepinephrine signaling in the brain, by blocking the reuptake of or transport of serotonin and norepinephrine out of the synapse.
    • Adverse side effects of SNRIs include sexual dysfunction, serotonin syndrome, and increased blood pressure.

    Drug Names

    Common SNRI drug names: Venlafaxine (Effexor), Duloxetine (Cymbalta), Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), Levomilnacipran (Fetzima), Milnacipran (Savella)

    Mnemonic for SNRI Drugs: "Very Depressed Doctors Like Meds"

    • V- Venlafaxine
    • D- Duloxetine
    • D- Desvenlafaxine
    • L- Levomilnacipran
    • M- Milnacipran

    Side Efects

    Serious Side Effects of SNRIs:

    • Increased blood pressure- SNRIs can elevate blood pressure, especially at higher doses.
    • Serotonin syndrome- A life-threatening condition when combined with other drugs like MAOI and TCAs.
    • Sexual dysfunction- Decreased libido, delayed orgasm, or erectile dysfunction.
    • Increased risk of bleeding- Especially when taken with NSAIDs, aspirin, or blood thinners.

    Common Side Effects of SNRIs: Nausea Dizziness, Dry mouth, Sweating, Headache, Insomnia

    Mnemonic for SNRI Side Effects: "Some Nurses Do Intensive Surgery"

    • S- Serotonin syndrome
    • N- Nausea
    • D- Dizziness
    • I- Increased blood pressure
    • S- Sexual dysfunction

    Indications

    SNRIs are primarily used to treat depression, but they also have other clinical applications:

    • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)- First-line treatment for moderate to severe depression.
    • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)- Often prescribed when SSRIs are ineffective.
    • Panic Disorder- Helps reduce panic attacks and associated anxiety.
    • Neuropathic Pain- Especially in conditions like diabetic neuropathy.
    • Fibromyalgia- Milnacipran is FDA-approved for this condition.
    • Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain- Duloxetine is used for osteoarthritis and lower back pain.

    Mnemonic for SNRI Indications "Depressed Anxious People Need Comfort"

    • D- Depression
    • A- Anxiety disorders
    • P- Panic disorder
    • N- Neuropathic pain
    • C- Chronic pain (fibromyalgia, musculoskeletal pain)

    Check out our other articles for more mnemonics on SSRI Drugs and TCA drug mnemonics.

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