What’s the Difference Between SSRIs and SNRIs?

If you’ve been prescribed antidepressants or are researching treatment options for depression or anxiety, you might wonder: What’s the difference between SSRIs and SNRIs? Understanding these two common medication classes can help you make informed decisions about your mental health care.

At Dignity Brain Health, we specialize in tele-psychiatry medication management for adults throughout Massachusetts, including Boston neighborhoods like Brookline, Cambridge, Newton, Somerville, and Back Bay, as well as New Hampshire and Florida. Whether you’re searching for psychiatric medication near me, a psychiatrist online, or want guidance on antidepressants, this article explains the key differences and how each medication works.


What Are SSRIs?

SSRIs, or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants.

How SSRIs Work

  • SSRIs increase the availability of serotonin, a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) linked to mood, by blocking its reabsorption (reuptake) into nerve cells.

  • This increased serotonin helps improve mood and reduce anxiety.

Common SSRIs

  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)

  • Sertraline (Zoloft)

  • Escitalopram (Lexapro)

  • Paroxetine (Paxil)

  • Citalopram (Celexa)

What Are SNRIs?

SNRIs, or Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors, are another class of antidepressants that affect two neurotransmitters.

How SNRIs Work

  • SNRIs block the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine, increasing their levels in the brain.

  • Norepinephrine plays a role in alertness, energy, and stress response.

Common SNRIs

  • Venlafaxine (Effexor)

  • Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

  • Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)

  • Levomilnacipran (Fetzima)

Key Differences Between SSRIs and SNRIs

When Might a Provider Choose an SNRI Over an SSRI?

  • If a patient does not respond well to SSRIs

  • Presence of chronic pain or fibromyalgia (SNRIs like duloxetine can help)

  • When increased energy or alertness is needed

Are SSRIs or SNRIs More Effective?

Both SSRIs and SNRIs are effective for depression and anxiety, but individual responses vary. Your provider will tailor treatment based on your symptoms, medical history, and side effect profile (Cipriani et al., 2018).

Telehealth Psychiatric Medication Management at Dignity Brain Health

We provide:

  • Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations via secure video

  • Expert guidance on choosing the right antidepressant class

  • Ongoing medication monitoring and dose adjustments

  • Genetic testing to help predict medication response (Learn More)

Serving adults in Boston metro areas including Brookline, Cambridge, Newton, Somerville, and Back Bay, with flexible scheduling and easy online booking.

Common Patient Questions

Can I switch from an SSRI to an SNRI?

Yes, with your provider’s guidance, switching medications is common if needed.

Do SSRIs and SNRIs have withdrawal symptoms?

Both can cause discontinuation symptoms if stopped abruptly; gradual tapering is advised.

How long do these medications take to work?

Typically 4 to 6 weeks to notice significant improvement.

Are there any serious risks?

Most side effects are manageable; rare risks include increased blood pressure with some SNRIs.

Local Mental Health Resources in Massachusetts

  • NAMI Massachusetts: Education and support https://www.namimass.org

  • Massachusetts Department of Mental Health: Public mental health programs

  • Harvard Medical School, Mass General, McLean Hospital: Leading research and care centers

Why Choose Dignity Brain Health?

  • Licensed psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners specializing in medication management

  • Telehealth care available statewide with a focus on Boston and surrounding neighborhoods

  • Personalized, evidence-based treatment plans

  • Convenient online appointment booking and follow-up care

  • Genetic testing for personalized medication decisions (Learn More)

Meet our expert team on our About Us page.

Take the Next Step: Book Your Telehealth Appointment Today

If you’re considering antidepressants and want guidance on SSRIs vs. SNRIs, get expert care from home with Dignity Brain Health.

👉 Start your your online psychiatric medication consultation process now

References

  1. Cipriani, A., Furukawa, T. A., Salanti, G., Chaimani, A., Atkinson, L. Z., Ogawa, Y., ... & Geddes, J. R. (2018). Comparative efficacy and acceptability of 21 antidepressant drugs for the acute treatment of adults with major depressive disorder: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. The Lancet, 391(10128), 1357-1366. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(17)32802-7

  2. Stahl, S. M. (2013). Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology: Neuroscientific Basis and Practical Applications (4th ed.). Cambridge University Press.

  3. Gelenberg, A. J., Freeman, M. P., Markowitz, J. C., Rosenbaum, J. F., Thase, M. E., Trivedi, M. H., & Van Rhoads, R. S. (2010). Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder (3rd ed.). American Psychiatric Association. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890423387

  4. Fava, M. (2000). Diagnosis and definition of treatment-resistant depression. Biological Psychiatry, 48(8), 649-659. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0006-3223(00)00994-3

Kristina BelarminoDignity Brain Health