What additional side effects are associated with SNRIs compared to SSRIs?

SNRIs, or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, distinctively impact both serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This dual action accounts for some of the unique side effects associated with these medications compared to SSRIs, which primarily target serotonin.

Increased blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) are commonly noted side effects of SNRIs. This occurs because norepinephrine, one of the neurotransmitters affected by SNRIs, can influence cardiovascular functions by constricting blood vessels and stimulating the heart. Consequently, patients on SNRIs may experience an elevation in both blood pressure and heart rate, particularly if they are on higher doses or if they have pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

In contrast, SSRIs mainly address serotonin levels without significantly impacting norepinephrine, which accounts for the lower likelihood of experiencing these cardiovascular side effects. The other choices, while associated with various medications, do not specifically highlight the distinctive side effect profile of SNRIs as effectively as increased BP and HR do.