How do SSRIs and SNRIs differ in their side effects compared to other medications?

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) are often recognized for their comparatively favorable side effect profiles when compared to older classes of antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). The correct response highlights that these classes of medications typically present fewer and less severe side effects, making them more tolerable for many patients.

One reason for this difference is the more targeted mechanism of action of SSRIs and SNRIs, which specifically focus on increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. In contrast, older antidepressants often affect a wider range of neurotransmitters, leading to a broader scope of side effects, including anticholinergic symptoms, sedation, and orthostatic hypotension.

Moreover, SSRIs and SNRIs are less likely to lead to weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and cardiovascular side effects than their predecessors. This makes them a first-line treatment option in the management of depression and anxiety disorders. Thus, the assertion that they tend to have fewer side effects reflects the well-documented understanding in the field of psychiatry about the toler