SNRIs act on specific chemicals within the brain known as serotonin and norepinephrine. Serotonin and norepinephrine are two of several chemicals used to send messages from one nerve cell to another.
As a message travels down a nerve, it causes the end of the cell to release serotonin or norepinephrine. The serotonin or norepinephrine enters the gap between the first nerve cell and the one next to it.
When enough serotonin or norepinephrine reaches the second nerve cell, it activates receptors on the cell and the message continues on its way. The first cell then quickly absorbs any serotonin or norepinephrine that remains in the gap between cells. This is called "reuptake."
Normally, this process works without any problems. When the levels of serotonin or norepinephrine become unbalanced, however, it can cause a variety of conditions, including
depression. SNRIs help to block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine so more remains in the space between the brain's nerve cells. This gives the serotonin and norepinephrine a better chance of activating the receptors on the next nerve cell.
SNRI Uses in Children and Teens
None of the available SNRIs are approved for use in children or teenagers. Talk with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of using SNRIs in children or teens.
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend an SNRI for treating something other than the condition(s) discussed above. This is called an "
off-label" use. At this time, off-label uses of SNRIs include the treatment of the following conditions:
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