Taking SNRIs for Treating Panic Disorder

Often prescribed to treat mood and anxiety disorders, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are one of the most commontreatment options for panic disorder.

What Are Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors?

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors(SNRIs) are one class of antidepressant medications. Some of the most common SNRIs includeEffexor(venlafaxine),Cymbalta(duloxetine), and Pristiq (desvenlafaxine). These antidepressants are frequently prescribed to treat mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder and depression inbipolar disorder.

SNRIs have also been found to safely and successfully treat anxiety disorders, includingpanic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD),social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additionally, SNRIs can also effectively treat persistent pain caused by certain conditions, such as fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

How They Work in Treating Anxiety and Panic Disorders

The human brain contains hundreds of naturally occurring chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. These messengers are responsible for directing information throughout the brain. It is believed that if one or more of these neurotransmitters become unbalanced, it can contribute to a person developing a mood or anxiety disorder.

The neurotransmittersserotoninand去甲肾上腺素are thought to be particularly linked to the occurrence of panic disorder. Both neurotransmitters play a role in regulating certain functions and emotions that can affect the onset of this condition. Serotonin is connected to the regulation of mood and sleep. Norepinephrine is responsible for how the person reacts to stress and anxiety and is associated with thefight-or-flight response.

SNRIs are sometimes confused with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (选择性血清素再吸收抑制剂), which are similar antidepressants, but only work to affect serotonin.

Side Effects

It is possible to experience side effects when taking SNRIs. Some of the most common side effects of SNRIs include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness and fatigue
• Headaches
• Sexual side-effects
• Increased nervousness
• Upset stomach or abdominal pain
• Sleep disturbance

These side effects should decrease over time. Consult your doctor if side effects don’t improve or worsen. It is possible to experience a serious drug allergy from SNRIs.

Precautions

Black Box Warning

In 2007, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an advisory known as a black box warning. Through this warning, the FDA cautioned that the use of SNRIs and otherantidepressant medicationsmay lead to heightened suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in young people.

Drug Interactions

Certain medications should not be taken or should be used with caution along with SNRIs. Keep your doctor up-to-date with any prescribed and over-the-counter medications you are taking.

Alcohol Consumption

饮酒能提高去甲肾上腺素重摄取抑制剂的毒性s and can impact the effectiveness of these antidepressant medications.

Special Populations

SNRIs can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy or while nursing. If you are pregnant or nursing, discuss the potential risks of taking SNRIs with your doctor. Older adults are often more susceptible to experiencing the side effects of SNRIs. If you are an older adult taking SNRIs, talk to your doctor about potential side effects.