Final answer:
Selective NE Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are a class of medications that treat depression by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, increasing the availability of these neurotransmitters in the brain. They are known to be modestly more effective and have milder side effects than SSRIs, with examples including duloxetine and venlafaxine.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Selective NE Reuptake Inhibitors
Selective NE Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), also known as NSRIs or NERIs, are medications primarily used to treat depression and other mood disorders. These drugs work by inhibiting the reuptake of two important neurotransmitters in the brain: serotonin and norepinephrine. By blocking the reuptake mechanism, SNRIs increase the availability of these neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, which enhances their action in the central nervous system.
Studies have reported that SNRIs can be modestly more efficient than Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), which target serotonin alone. Additionally, SNRIs tend to have milder side effects compared to other antidepressants, making them a popular treatment option. Examples of SNRIs include drugs like duloxetine and venlafaxine. While SSRIs such as Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft focus solely on serotonin, SNRIs offer a broader approach by also targeting norepinephrine.