SNRIs: the complete list, ranked by safety record
All 4 snris we track, ranked by our independent FDA recall-safety score. Unlike a plain list, every drug here carries its safety record, what it treats, whether a generic exists, and how long it stays in your body.
SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) are prescription medicines used to treat depression and several anxiety disorders, and some are also approved for chronic pain conditions such as nerve pain and fibromyalgia. Drugs in this class include venlafaxine and duloxetine.
How they work: They raise the levels of two natural brain chemicals, serotonin and norepinephrine, which help maintain mood and mental balance.
What everyone taking one should know
SNRIs carry a boxed warning that they can increase suicidal thoughts and actions in children, teenagers, and young adults under 24. Do not stop an SNRI suddenly: abrupt discontinuation can trigger withdrawal symptoms (dizziness, anxiety, headache, electric-shock sensations). Combined with other serotonin-raising drugs they can cause serotonin syndrome, a rare but dangerous reaction with fever, fast heartbeat, and severe muscle stiffness.
| Drug | Safety | Generic? | Treats |
|---|---|---|---|
| desvenlafaxineboxed warning | 72/100 | Yes | Major Depressive Disorder |
| milnacipran hydrochlorideboxed warning | 70/100 | Brand only | Major Depressive Disorder |
| duloxetine hydrochlorideboxed warning Half-life: about 12 hours | unrated | Brand only | Anxiety Disorders, Major Depressive Disorder |
| venlafaxine hydrochlorideboxed warning Half-life: about 5 hours | unrated | Brand only | Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Autistic Disorder |
Ranked by our independent recall-safety score (higher is better), which reflects the FDA recall and enforcement record — not effectiveness. A higher score is not medical advice to switch; which drug is right for you is a prescriber’s decision. 2 are unrated (too little regulatory history to score) and sort last.
Sources
Other drug classes: NSAIDs · Statins · Benzodiazepines · Opioids · Beta blockers · SSRIs · ACE inhibitors · ARBs · Proton pump inhibitors · Calcium channel blockers · Macrolide antibiotics.
The list is built from the FDA’s Established Pharmacologic Class tags, so it reflects the drugs in this class that we track (one row per active ingredient). Safety scores come from the FDA recall and enforcement record. This is general reference information, not medical advice — do not start, stop or switch a medication based on it; talk to your prescriber or pharmacist.