Antidepressant Agents

Question 1

Depression is

Answer 1

A disorder of the mood, not a disorder of thought or reality (psychosis)

Question 2

Depression is related to what NT imbalance and antidepressant drugs help to keep these NT in the synapse longer

Answer 2

NE and Serotonin

Question 3

Antidepressant Drugs Action (pharmacodynamics)

Answer 3

Block the re-uptake transporter for NE, DA and Serotonin to allow for excess NT to accumulate in the synapse, this leads to down-regulation of post synaptic receptors leading to relief from depression

Question 4

Non selective Re-uptake Inhibitors Include

Answer 4

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA) (First Generation)
Heterocyclics (2nd Generation)

Question 5

Selective Reuptake Inhibitors Include

Answer 5

SSRI’s

Question 6

What 2 compounds should never be consumed w/ antidepressant meds but also act at the same re-uptake transporter resulting in elevated NT levels

Answer 6

Amphetamine and Cocaine

Question 7

Tricyclic Antidepressants block

Answer 7

DA and NE uptake back into synaptic terminal

Question 8

Examples of Tricyclic Antidepressants Meds

Answer 8

Tofranil (Tofer from that 70’s show makes you feel better)

Elavil

Question 9

Side effects of Tricyclic Antidepressants

Answer 9

Dry Mouth, urinary retention, tachycardia, sedation, orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, decreased libido (these drugs also bind to ANS receptors hence these effects)

Question 10

Heterocyclic Antidepressants Adverse effects include

Answer 10

Sedation, Weight gain, dizziness, pseudoparkinsonism (remember that first generation deals more w/autonomic involvement adverse effects)

Question 11

Second Generation Heterocyclic Antidepressants Include

Answer 11

Asendin (Ascend your mood upwards/ascend to “2nd” floor)

Wellbutrin (Make you feel well “2nd” you take them_

Question 12

Third Generation Heterocyclic Antidepressants

Answer 12

Cymbalta

Remeron “Remember (remeron), Cymbalta can help”

Question 13

SSRIs block what

Answer 13

re uptake of serotonin at the synapse

Question 14

SSR’s compared to TCA’s are

Answer 14

more specific and have fewer side effects, lack of cardiotoxic effects, have a higher safety index

Question 15

SSRI meds incldue

Answer 15

Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft

Question 16

SSRI’s can also treat what disorder besides depression

Answer 16

OCD, generalized anxiety

Question 17

MAO Inhibitors have what pharmcodynamic effect

Answer 17

increase vesicle stores of NE and serotonin at presynaptic terminal resulting in a greater release w/depolarization