Anti-Depressants Flashcards
SSRI mechanism
inhibit presynaptic serotonin pumps –> increase availability of serotonin in synaptic cleft
Which SSRI has the longest half-life?
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Which SSRI can be used in pregnancy and approved for use in children?
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Fluoxetine (Prozac) specific concerns
- more common sleep changes and anxiety
- can elevate levels of neuroleptics, leading to inc side effects
Which SSRI has the highest risk for GI disturbances?
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Which SSRI is highly protein bound?
Proxetine (Paxil)
- causes several drug interactions
Paroxetine (Paxil) half-life?
Short–>leading to withdrawal phenomena if not taken consistently
Paroxetine (Paxil) specific side effects?
more anticholinergic effects (sedation, constipation, weight gain)
Which SSRI is the only one approved for OCD?
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Fluvoxamine (Luvox) common side effects?
Nausea and vomiting
Also has a lot of drug interactions
Which SSRI has the fewest drug-drug interactions?
Citalopram (Celexa)
Which SSRI has possibly fewer sexual side effects?
Citalopram (Celexa)
Compare escitalopram (Lexapro) and citalopram (Celexa)
levo-enantiomer
similar efficacy with possibly fewer side effects
more expensive!
In comparison to TCAs and MAOIs, what are the benefits to using an SSRI?
- serotonin selectivity (do not act on HAM)–>fewer side effects
- much safer in overdose
List side effects of SSRIs
- sexual dysfunction (dec interest, anorgasmia, delayed ejaculation)
- GI disturbance (nausea, diarrhea)
- insomnia, vivid dreams
- headache
- anorexia, weight loss
- restlessness (akathisia-like state at initiation and termination)
- seizures
- BLACK BOX WARNING: inc suicidal thinking and behavior especially in children/adolescents
Why should SSRIs not be used for at least 2 weeks prior to or after MAOIs?
Serotonin syndrome: fever, diaphoresis, shivering, tachycardia, HTN, delirium, neuromuscular excitability, hyperreflexia, potentially death
What drugs may help the sexual side effects of SSRIs?
buproprion, changing to a non-SSRI antidepressant, adding sildenafil for men
How do SSRIs interact with warfarin?
can inc levels, so must monitor!
Venlafaxine (Effexor) and Duloxetine (Cymbalta) are what type of antidepressant?
SNRIs
Venlafaxine (Effexor) is used for depression as well as…
anxiety disorders like GAD, some use in ADHD
Venlafaxine (Effexor) specific side effects?
similar to SSRIs
can also inc bp (do not use in patients with untreated or labile bp)
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is used for depression as well as…
neuropathic pain or fibromyalgia
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) specific side effects?
similar to SSRIs, but more dry mouth and constipation (NE effects)
may be more liver side effects if have liver disease or heavy alc use
expensive!