Precautions and Warnings With SNRIs

As with all medications, it is important to know all of the precautions and warnings with SNRIs. Before taking an SNRI, let your healthcare provider know if you have any existing medical conditions, such as bipolar disorder, glaucoma, or high blood pressure. Possible side effects of SNRIs include serotonin syndrome, suicidal thoughts or behavior, and liver problems. You should not take a SNRI if you are allergic to any components of the drug, have uncontrolled narrow angle glaucoma, or have taken an MAOI in the past two weeks.

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors

SNRIs: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking an

SNRI (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) if you have:

Bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression)
A history of suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts
Had a recent heart attack or if you have unstable heart disease
Diabetic gastroparesis (a slowing of the digestive tract due to diabetes)
High blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension)
Seizures or epilepsy
Glaucoma (a condition of the eyes)
Liver disease, including liver failure or cirrhosis
Kidney problems, including kidney failure (renal failure)
Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.

Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:

Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
Are breastfeeding
Drink alcohol regularly.

Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

(Precautions and Warnings With SNRIs Continued: Page 2)