duloexitine? snri question

[nolys]

Hi there, don't know if this is appropriate forum. I'm guessing it's not so could mod move this if nessecery please.

I'll make this short
Girlfriend has been seriously depressed for years, recently had a baby which has made her worse.
Her doctor has reccomended this SNRI, which to be honest I know nothing about.

I want to know what the difference between an snri and an ssri is?
What to expect from duloxetine?
Is it a long term solution and will it cause harm or mental issues if stopped at any point?
Does it cause any psychoactive effects?

Any information about this drug would be appreciated, I want to know what she's getting into with this xcompound, I know ssris can have very shit effects

Thanks

 

[AlphaMethylPhenyl]

duoloxetine works on two chemicals mainly: serotonin and norepinephrine, whereas ssris primarily work on serotonin. its usually given to people who don't respond to ssris. its supposed to be pretty effective, but its less studied than effexor. they are very hit-or-miss. some people find them very helpful. and withdrawal shouldn't be a problem compared to drugs of abuse.

 

[DementiaSavantPlus]

A doctor who prescribed Effexor to me once told me it would be difficult to discontinue, and my subsequent internet forum research was in agreement. Primarily there are many reports of "brain zaps" and general discomfort. I was only able to tolerate one dose of Effexor because of the acute side effects of dissociation and depression.

They may have worked these things out when they formulated duloxetine, but most likely they just needed a new patent on an SNRI.

Having said this, I would probably try an SNRI before I would try an SSRI. I would say give it a shot.

 

[flyhighk]

SSRIs and SNRIs can both cause withdrawal symptoms.

You should basically expect all the side effects of SSRIs + other side effects. It can be used long term but it's obviously healthier to rely on lifestyle changes.

Does she workout with you?

 

[nolys]

Thanks for the replys, she can't just change her lifestyle choice she is seriously depressed it's a long term mental issue she has bipolar disorder And nope fly, she's too depressed to leave the house most times and with the little one here now that would just be difficult. I don't even work out atm havnt trained in months havnt got the time anymore