1- Antidepressants Flashcards
What are the hypotheses for the cause of depression and which is the most relevant?
Monoamine (most relevant)- all antidepressants increase amine neurotransmission
(others: neurotrophic, neuroendocrine
How long does it take for antidepressants to have an effect?
2-3 weeks due to neuronal plasticity
(reuptake inhibited immediately but effects are delayed)
What is the long-term effect of uptake inhibitors?
Antidepressants down-regulate auto-receptors, increasing firing rate of 5-HT neuron
Antipressants only have effects if what?
Pt has chemical imbalances
What is the general MOA for TCAs?
Inhibit re-uptake of NE and 5-HT, block alpha-adrenergic, histamine, and muscarinic receptors
What is the use of TCAs?
Depression (one of last line), neuropathic pain, enuresis (smaller dose)
TCAs are typically well absorbed where and how often are they given?
Well absorbed orally, given 1x daily @ bedtime
What metabolizes TCAs?
CYP2D6 (drug interactions VERY common)
TCAs + MAOIs has the potential to cause what drug interaction?
Serotonin syndrome (severe CNS toxicity)
How do TCAs interact with SSRIs?
Compete for metabolism so can be toxic
How do TCAs interact with amphetamine (sympathomimetic drugs)?
Cause HTN
How do TCAs interact with alcohol or other CNS depressants?
Sedative actions
TCAs can potentiate the effects of what drug class?
Anticholinergic
Some of the SEs of TCAs include blockade of what receptors leading to what sxs?
- Histamine receptor blockade: drowsiness, sedation,
- Cholinergic blockade (PNS): dry mouth, urinary retention, impaired memory
- 𝜶1 receptor blockade: CV
Aside from receptor blockades, what are the other SEs of TCAs?
Weight gain, analgesia, SIADH, sexual dysfunction, decrease is seizure threshold, tolerance
What is the most serious complication a/w toxicity/ overdose of TCAs?
Cardiac toxicity (Torsades de pointes)
Aside from cardiac toxicity, what are other effects of toxicity/ overdose with TCAs?
Prolonged QT interval, cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory depression
(can be fatal)
Pt presents with toxicity/ overdose with TCAs. What is the tx for the Torsades de pointes?
Magnesium, isoproterenol, cardiac pacing
Pt presents with toxicity/ overdose with TCAs. What is the tx for managing arrhythmias/ preventing seizures?
Lidocaine, propranolol, phenytoin
Pt presents with toxicity/ overdose with TCAs. What is the tx for restoring acid/ base balance?
Sodium bicarb and potassium chloride
Can TCAs be given in pregnancy?
YES
Why is there limited use with TCAs?
Toxicity and potential overdose
How are TCAs dosed?
Start @ low dose then increase → tapered gradually
What is the benefit of using TCAs?
No euphoria/ low abuse potential
Due to the fact that all TCAs are equally effective at treating depression, choice of drug is based on what?
Adverse effects
Are Amitriptyline and Imipramine secondary or tertiary amines?
Tertiary (serotonin > NE)
What is the MOA of Amitriptyline and Imipramine and are they more or less potent than secondary amines?
Inhibit 5-HT reuptake
Produce more seizures and more sedating than secondary amines
Are Nortriptyline and Desipramine tertiary or secondary amines?
Secondary (NE > serotonin)
What is the MOA for Nortriptyline and Desipramine?
Block NE reuptake
What is the MOA for SSRIs?
Selectively inhibits 5-HT reuptake
What is the use for SSRIs?
Depression (DOC), panic disorder, OCD, social anxiety, bulimia, alcoholism, used in children/ teenagers
What is the DOC (class) for depression)
SSRIs
Where are SSRIs well absorbed and what is their half life?
Well absorbed by gut, t1/2 = 24-72hrs
What metabolizes SSRIs?
Metabolized by and inhibit CYP450s (2D6) = many drug interactions
What is the result of inhibition of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 with SSRIs?
Increased toxicity of TCAs and Phenytoin/ carbamazepine
How do SSRIs interact with MAOIs?
Serotonin syndrome