[blah1]

i know this is probably really dumb, but what is the difference in SNRI's and SSRI's?? why do docs give more people ssri's then snri's?do they both work they same?are snri's addictive?do they work faster?also i was reading about the older ones maho's but i dont know much about them.

[(JD)]

good questions. SNRIs are the newest class of anti depressants (I think the newest) supposedly working slightly differently, but also on the way of scientists tweaking meds that focus on certain parts of the brain. I'm not sure there are more than 2 SNRIs out there... sorry can't think. They are not the same.

Ok maybe I can think a little more... SNRIs are serotonin AND norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. They are better for panic, anxiety and mainly used for ADHD I think... because of the selectivity?

[Butterfly_Faerie]

Well said SkyBdark.

Also the drug Effexor is a combo of SSRI and SNRI. The lower doses are just the SSRI but when you go up in dose you start to get the effects of both SSRI and SNRI.

[blah1]

how long does effexor take to start working?is it like an ssri that take 4 to 6 weeks or longer?im just wondering if an snri would work better for my depression.i dont feel like my doc listens to me sometimes.and if i do change to an snri i will have to taper off of the med im taking now slowley.i hate feeling like this everyday is hell.i just want something to work and fast.thanks anymore info will help.

[Wants2Fly]

I think it started working after about 2 weeks for me. There was a period during which the dose was built up.