These are the first-line antidepressants. SSRIs raise serotonin levels in the brain by blocking its reuptake into nerve cells; SNRIs block the reuptake of noradrenaline as well. In practice the choice between them is guided less by efficacy — which is broadly similar — than by side effects, interactions, and whether a patient also has chronic pain or anxiety, where the SNRIs have an edge.
Class descriptions are written by the Priya Life Science editorial team. Individual drug pages combine that summary with live label, approval, manufacturer and shortage data from the U.S. FDA via the openFDA API. This page is general information and is not medical advice — it is not exhaustive, drugs within a class are not automatically interchangeable, and approvals and brand names differ between the US, EU/Ireland (EMA/HPRA) and other regions. Always consult the official prescribing information and your clinician or pharmacist. Related: Drug Shortages Tracker · FDA Approvals · All drug comparisons