Anti-depressants Flashcards
What anti-depressant should be avoided in epileptics?
Buproprion (wellbutrin) should be avoided in epileptics because it lowers the seizure threshold
What anti-depressants can cause fever, myoclonus, and mental status changes?
SSRIs and/or SNRIs can cause Serotonin Syndrome (fever, myoclonus, and mental status changes)
Which anti-depressant should be used to help patients gain weight?
Mirtazapine (Remeron)
Which anti-depressant causes constipation, urinary retention, and dry mouth?
TCAs (anti-cholinergic side effects)
Which class of anti-depressants can cause hypertensive crisis?
MAOIs
What anti-depressant causes pulmonary hypertension?
Paroxetine (Paxil-SSRI)
Which anti-depressants should be used for patients who don’t sleep well?
Mirtazapine (Remeron) or Trazodone (Olepto)
Which classes of anti-depressants can be used to also help with chronic pain?
TCAs or Atypical anti-depressants
Which anti-depressants has the fewest sexual side effects?
Buproprion (Wellbutrin)
Mirtazepine
Trazodone (priapism)
Nefazodone
Which anti-depressant is CONTRAindicated in eating disorders?
- Buproprion => eating disorders as well as Wellbutrin both lower the seizure threshold
Which anti-depressant should not be given to suicidal patients?
TCAs => 1 week’s dosage of TCAs can be lethal
Which class of anti-depressants can help with migraines?
TCAs (amitriptylline)
What is the mechanism of action of SSRIs?
Selectively inhibits serotonin reuptake by serotonin reuptake transporter proteins at presynaptic neuron, causing an increase in synaptic serotonin levels
- NO anticholinergic, antihistamnic (sedation) or anti-α1 adrenergic effects
Why does it take weeks to months for SSRIs to take clinical effect?
Clinical effect usually takes weeks to few months due to time needed to down-regulate B1 adrenergic and serotonin receptors in CNS so mechanism goes beyond simply increasing synaptic serotonin levels
What explains the GI effects associated with SSRIs?
Serotonin receptors are located throughout the body (especially GI tract)
Why is fluoxetine not a good choice for patients with hepatic disease?
Fluoxetine has a long half life (2-4 days), which may allow its active metabolite to build up
SSRIs and MAOIs should be separated by 5 weeks or else they can cause?
Serotonin syndrome
Which SSRI is more likely to induce mania?
Fluoxetine
Which SSRI should be used in adolescents and pregnant women?
Fluoxetine
What is the advantage of the liquid formulation of fluoxetine?
Good for low dosages as well as weekly formulations
In addition to having the highest serotonin specificity, Citalopram (celexa) also has effects at which receptor?
Citalopram also has anti-histaminic effects.
What is the major precaution that should be taken with Citalopram (celexa)?
Dose dependent QT prolongation/Torsades
- do NOT exceed 40mg/day
What are the benefits of the stereoisomer Escitalopram (Lexapro), over citalopram?
- More effective than Citalopram in acute response and remission, primarily in tx of GAD
- Lower risk of QTc prolongation
What is the primary indication for fluvoxamine (luvox)?
OCD (very short half life)
What are the major side effects of fluvoxamine (luvox)?
GI distress, headaches, sedation, weakness
What is one advantage sertraline (zoloft) has over paroxetine (paxil)?
Less sedating
Maximum absorbency of Sertraline (zoloft) requires….?
Max absorption requires a full stomach
What is the major benefit of Paroxetine’s (paxil) short half life?
Short half life with no active metabolite means no build-up (good if hypomania develops)
What is the primary disadvantage of Paroxetine’s short half life?
Significant withdrawal symptoms with missed doses or abrupt d/c of drug
- slow taper over 3-4 weeks recommended
Which antidepressant causes the most weight gain?
Paroxetine (Paxil)
What anticholinergic effects are associated with paroxetine (paxil)?
Constipation, dry mouth – mild anticholinergic effects due to weak muscarinic receptor antagonist activity