Antidepressants

Question 1

What type of drug most effectively diffuse across the BBB? Lipophilic or lipopobic?

Answer 1

Lipophilic/hydrophobic as BBB is mostly fatty

Question 2

Give 3 examples of monoamines

Answer 2

• Dopamine
• Serotonin/5-HT
• Nordrenaline

Question 3

What is serotonin also known as?

Answer 3

5-HT

Question 4

Where is the nuclei found for 5-HT and noradrenaline?

Answer 4

Midbrain

Question 5

What is the MOA of tricyclic antidepressants?

Answer 5

Blocks the reuptake of neurotransmitters - increases neurotransmitter in synaptic cleft

Question 6

What kind of drug is imipramine?

Answer 6

Tricyclic antidepresant

Question 7

What are the common side effects of tricyclic antidepressants?

Answer 7

Anticholinergic (increased sympathetic activity)

• constipation
• dry mouth
• urinary retention
• blurred vision
• increase HR

Question 8

Name a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

Answer 8

Fluoxetine

Question 9

What type of antidepressant causes nausea?

Answer 9

SSRI

Question 10

What antidepressant is contradicted with cardiac problems/post-MI etc?

Answer 10

Tricyclic - imipramine

due to being anticholingeric

Question 11

What is the first line class of antidepressants for depression?

Answer 11

SSRI

Question 12

When lithium reaches toxic levels what effect can it have?

Answer 12

Vomitting and diarrhoea

Question 13

What mood stabiliser must be avoided in young female patients looking to get pregnant?

Answer 13

Valproic acid