Best Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor for major depressive disorder
Top-rated pick: Fetzima — pharmaranks score 72/100, the highest of the 8 Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor drugs used for major depressive disorder, ranked by our independent FDA recall-safety score. Compare them with all treatments for major depressive disorder or the full Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor class. Not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Quick answer: Of the 8 serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor drugs we rate for major depressive disorder, 6 are available as lower-cost generics, and most are capsule. Our ranking reflects each drug’s FDA recall-safety record — not clinical effectiveness for major depressive disorder; the right choice depends on your situation, so confirm it with your prescriber.
How serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor work
SNRIs slow the reabsorption of two brain chemicals, serotonin and norepinephrine, back into nerve cells. This leaves more of both available in the gaps between neurons to keep signaling, which can improve mood, anxiety, and certain types of chronic pain.
Other drug classes for major depressive disorder
Top serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor for major depressive disorder: 1. Fetzima · 2. Levomilnacipran Hydrochloride · 3. Savella
| # | Drug | Rating | Type | Form | Generic? | Pharmacy pays | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 72/100 | Prescription | Capsule | No data | — | View → | |
| 2 | 72/100 | Prescription | Capsule | No data | — | View → | |
| 3 | 72/100 | Prescription | Kit | Generic | $97 | View → | |
| 4 | 70/100 | Prescription | Tablet | Generic | $115 | View → | |
| 5 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Capsule | Generic | $3 | View → | |
| 6 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Capsule | Generic | $3 | View → | |
| 7 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Tablet | Generic | $97 | View → | |
| 8 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Tablet | Generic | $115 | View → |
Full ranking · 8 drugs
fetzima
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Fetzima (Levomilnacipran Hydrochloride) is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used to treat Major Depressive Disorder.
Price varies
levomilnacipran hydrochloride
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Levomilnacipran Hydrochloride is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used to treat Major Depressive Disorder.
Price varies
savella
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Savella (Milnacipran Hydrochloride) is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used to treat Major Depressive Disorder.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$10.88/30· 3 forms Save up to 96% in classdesvenlafaxine succinate
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Desvenlafaxine Succinate is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used to treat Major Depressive Disorder.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$114.94/30· 2 forms Save up to 97% in classcymbalta
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Cymbalta (Duloxetine Hydrochloride) is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used to treat Anxiety Disorders, Major Depressive Disorder, Diabetic Neuropathies, Musculoskeletal Pain.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$2.86/30· 4 formsdrizalma sprinkle
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Drizalma Sprinkle (Duloxetine Hydrochloride) is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used to treat Anxiety Disorders, Major Depressive Disorder, Diabetic Neuropathies, Musculoskeletal Pain.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$2.86/30· 4 formsmilnacipran hydrochloride
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Milnacipran Hydrochloride is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used to treat Major Depressive Disorder.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$10.88/30· 3 forms Save up to 96% in classpristiq
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine Succinate) is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used to treat Major Depressive Disorder.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$114.94/30· 2 forms Save up to 97% in classFrequently asked
- What is the best serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor for major depressive disorder?
- By our independent recall-safety rating — not an efficacy measure — fetzima ranks highest among Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor drugs used for major depressive disorder. Always consult a professional.
- Which serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor drugs treat major depressive disorder?
- pharmaranks lists 8 Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor products used for major depressive disorder, per NIH RxClass drug-classification data — each independently rated and ranked above.
- How are these ranked?
- By our independent score, currently based on FDA regulatory recall-safety data (the methodology blends additional sources as they come online). See the How we rate page.