Which neurotransmitters are increased by SNRIs?

Which neurotransmitters are increased by SNRIs?

• A. Dopamine and glutamate
• B. Serotonin and norepinephrine
• C. GABA and acetylcholine
• D. Norepinephrine and dopamine

Answer: (B)

SNRIs block the reuptake transporters for serotonin and norepinephrine, SERT and NET, so these two neurotransmitters stay in the synapse longer and firing signals more strongly. That rise in serotonin and norepinephrine is the hallmark effect of SNRI drugs, which is why they’re used to treat depression and some anxiety and pain conditions. Other neurotransmitters listed, like dopamine and glutamate or GABA and acetylcholine, aren’t the primary targets of SNRIs, so their levels aren’t broadly increased by this mechanism. While some dopaminergic effects can occur in specific brain regions, the defining action remains boosting serotonin and norepinephrine.

SNRIs block the reuptake transporters for serotonin and norepinephrine, SERT and NET, so these two neurotransmitters stay in the synapse longer and firing signals more strongly. That rise in serotonin and norepinephrine is the hallmark effect of SNRI drugs, which is why they’re used to treat depression and some anxiety and pain conditions. Other neurotransmitters listed, like dopamine and glutamate or GABA and acetylcholine, aren’t the primary targets of SNRIs, so their levels aren’t broadly increased by this mechanism. While some dopaminergic effects can occur in specific brain regions, the defining action remains boosting serotonin and norepinephrine.