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SSRI/SNRI
SSRIs and SNRIs increase serotonin (and norepinephrine for SNRIs) in the brain by blocking their reuptake from the synaptic cleft, thereby enhancing mood regulation and emotional processing.
SSRIs and SNRIs increase serotonin (and norepinephrine for SNRIs) in the brain by blocking their reuptake from the synaptic cleft, thereby enhancing mood regulation and emotional processing. Used for Major depressive disorder, Generalized anxiety disorder, Panic disorder.
At a glance
| Generic name | SSRI/SNRI |
|---|---|
| Also known as | citalopram, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine |
| Sponsor | UCB Pharma |
| Drug class | SSRI/SNRI |
| Target | Serotonin transporter (SERT); norepinephrine transporter (NET) for SNRIs |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry/Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) block the serotonin transporter, preventing reabsorption of serotonin into presynaptic neurons and increasing its availability at the synapse. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) additionally block norepinephrine reuptake, providing dual monoamine enhancement. This increased synaptic concentration of these neurotransmitters is thought to restore normal mood and reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms over weeks of treatment.
Approved indications
- Major depressive disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Headache
- Sexual dysfunction
- Insomnia or somnolence
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Tremor
- Weight gain
Key clinical trials
- Phase 3 Study of Adjunctive Treatment With Seltorexant in Adult and Elderly Participants With Major Depressive Disorder and Insomnia Symptoms (PHASE3)
- A Study in Participants With Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) With Anhedonia and Inadequate Response to Current Antidepressant Therapy Including a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) or Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI)
- A Study Following Women in Menopause Treated With a Non-hormonal Therapy for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
- A Study of Aticaprant 10 Milligrams (mg) as Adjunctive Therapy in Adult Participants With MDD With Moderate-to-severe Anhedonia and Inadequate Response to Current Antidepressant Therapy (PHASE3)
- The Combination of Pharmacotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy Under the Recovery Perspective. (PHASE1)
- Discontination of Antidepressants in Remitted Depression (PHASE4)
- Impact of Depression on Thermoregulation
- Study of ABX-002 for the Adjunctive Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (AMPLIFY) (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- SSRI/SNRI CI brief — competitive landscape report
- SSRI/SNRI updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- UCB Pharma portfolio CI