Anti-depressants Flashcards
Anti depressants work straight away. True or false?
False
- they take 2-6 weeks to work
Using anti-depressants prevents relapses. True or false?
True
Anti-depressants are associated with addiction. True or false?
False
Anti-depressants are more effective than talking therapies in the treatment of depression. True or false?
True
Some anti-depressants are better than others. True or false?
False
Which anti depressant is usually used first line?
SSRI - if this doesn't work try another SSRI then try a different class of AD
Mechanism of action of most ADs
Most affect synaptic levels of the monoamine neurotransmitters (mainly 5-HT and NA).
They tend to reduce the b/d of neurotransmitters or inhibit their reuptake into the presynaptic terminal
What are the monoamine neurotransmitters
5-HT (serotonin)
Noradrenaline
Dopamine
Depression results from a deficit in which monoamine transmitters?
5-HT (serotonin)
Noradrenaline
What is 5-HT metabolised by?
Monoamine oxidase
What is noradrenaline metabolised by?
Monoamine oxidase
Name 4 classes of monoamine reuptake inhibitors
SSRI
SNRI
TCA
Atypicals
Monoamine reuptake inhibitors - mechanism of action
Block the neurotransmitter (serotonin, NA) either selectively or non-selectively back into the pre-synaptic terminal
Monoamine reuptake inhibitors - TCA - examples (4)
Impiramine
Dosulepin
Amitriptyline
Lofepramine
Monoamine reuptake inhibitors - TCA are selective/non selective?
Non-selective
- block the reuptake of serotonin and NA back into the pre-synaptic terminal
Monoamine reuptake inhibitors - TCAs - can be used in patients with suicidal intent. True or false?
False
Monoamine reuptake inhibitors - TCAs - overdose is dangerous. True or false?
True
Monoamine reuptake inhibitors - TCAs - side effects
Anticholinergic
- blurred vision
- dry mouth
- constipation
- urinary retention
Weight gain
Cardiovascular side effects
Sedation
If the patient has insomnia, which anti-depressant class might be beneficial?
TCA
Monoamine reuptake inhibitors - SSRI - mechanism of action
Selectively blocks the reuptake of serotonin back into the pre-synaptic terminal
Monoamine reuptake inhibitors - SSRI - example (4)
Fluoxetine
Escitalopram
Sertaline
Paroxatine
Monoamine reuptake inhibitors - SSRI - safe to use in adolescents. True or false?
False
- don’t use in adolescents due to increased self harm risk
Monoamine reuptake inhibitors - SSRI - Use if suicidal and at risk of overdose. True or false?
True
- relatively safe in overdose
Which SSRI is most commonly used in pregnancy ?
Sertaline