SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor) Mnemonics

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.