Anti Depressants Flashcards
What are the names of the common types of antidepressants?
Trycylics
SSRI’s (selective seratinin Reuptake inhibitors)
Atypical Antidepressants
Which class of antidepressants are not used any more and why?
MAOI Inhibitors due to toxicity and large number of drug interactions
What is a common drug in the tricyclic class?
Elavil (amitrphyline)
How do tricyclics work?
inhibit uptake of norepinepgrine and serotonin at the synaptic level
Are Tricyclics used often?
No, older class and not used as much due to tough side effects
What are the side effects of Tricyclics?
sedation, dizziness, tachycardia, blurred vision weight, ortho HTN, sexual effects etc
What are other uses for Tricyclics?
ADHD, narcolepsy, PTSD and people with chronic pain and migranes
What is the first line agent for treatment of depression and OCD?
SSRI’s
What is the effect of SSRI’s?
Prevent the reuptake of serotonin in the synapses so it can be available for longer
What is serotonin syndrome?
Extreme irritability and altered conscious state due to hyper stimulation of brainstem serotonin receptors.
How should one withdrawal from SSRI’s?
Very gradually
What is SSRI discontinuation syndrome?
severe symptom complex of myalgias, disequilibrim, flu-like syndrome, GI upset, vivid dream and increased anxiety
What is the worst offender for SSRI discontinuation syndrome?
Paxil due to the short half life
How does Wellbutron work? What type of antidepressant is it?
Boosts Norepinephrine and dopamine levels which lead to elevated mood
Atypical antidepressant
How does effexor work? WHat type of Antidepressant is it?
Boosts norepinephrine and seroronin levels. weakly boosts dopamine
Atypical antidepressant
