Antidepressants

Question 1

MAOIs

Answer 1

○ Isocarboxazid
○ Phenelzine
○ Trancylypro,mime
○ Selegiline

Indication: Depression

Action: blocks monoamine oxidase enzymes to increase the levels of ALL neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, serotonin)

Nursing Considerations:
● Avoid foods that are high in tyramine
○ Aged cheeses
○ Wine
○ Pickled meats
● Side effect - hypertensive crisis (BP too high, HA, nose bleed - emergency!!)

Question 2

SSRIs

Answer 2

○ Fluoxetine
○ Sertraline
○ Escitalopram
○ Citalopram

Indication: Depression

Action: Prevent reuptake of serotonin increasing the availability of serotonin in the body

Nursing Considerations:
● Monitor for serotonin syndrome (occurs w/ taking another antidepressant/meds that increases serotonin)*
○ Hypertension, confusion, anxiety, tremors, ataxia, sweating

● Suicide precautions important for 2-3 weeks
○ When the client’s mood starts to improve, they are an increase risk for suicide b/c they have energy to follow through

Question 3

TCAs

Answer 3

(“-triptyline”)

○ Amitriptyline
○ Nortriptyline
○ Protriptyline

Indication: Depression

Action: Prevents reuptake of norepinephrine + serotonin increasing these neurotransmitters in the body

Nursing Considerations:
● Monitor for anticholinergic side effects
○ Dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurry vision

S/E:
T - tachycardia
C - cardiac effect
A - anticholinergic effects
S - sedation/sexual dysfunction

Can’t see, can’t pee, can’t spit, can’t shit