What type of medications should be taken with food to reduce the risk of adverse effects?

SNRIs, or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, are a class of medications used primarily for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. One of the common considerations when taking SNRIs is the potential for gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, which can be minimized by taking the medication with food. Consuming these medications with food can help to buffer the stomach lining and slow the absorption of the drug, thereby reducing the chances of experiencing unpleasant side effects.

In contrast, while SSRIs and antipsychotics can also have gastrointestinal side effects, they often have differing absorption profiles that do not necessarily require food for optimal tolerance. Beta blockers may cause different side effects that are not directly impacted by food intake. Therefore, SNRIs are especially noted for the recommendation to take them with meals to improve patient comfort and adherence to the medication regimen.