Antidepressants Flashcards
SSRI drug names
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Sertraline (zoloft)
SNRI drug name
Duloxetine
Tricyclic antidepressant names
Amitriptyline
Desipramine
MAOI drug name
Tranylcypromine
Other Antidepressant Drugs
Buproprion
Mirtazapine
Trazadone
Describe the delayed onset of ADD therapeutic effects
Mood only elevates once the drug level in the system has raised and stabilized (at about 4 days) and stayed high for another 6-8 days. This means you won’t feel better unless you are medication compliant and able to wait 2 full weeks for improvement.
Where is seratonin synthesized?
Mainly in ECL cells - Enterochromaffin-like
What enzyme breaks seratonin down?
Monoamine oxidase - MAO
What is metabolized into melatonin? Where does this happen?
Seratonin (5-HT) - Melatonin is made in the pineal gland.
SSRI mechanism of action
Block the Seratonin Reuptake Transporter (SERT) that brings Seratonin out of the synapse and into the nerve terminal.
They DO NOT affect other amines (like NE)
They DO NOT bind to any receptors.
SSRI in the CNS - acute effects and long-term adaptation
Acutely, more Seratonin in the synapse for longer. Over time, enhanced seratonergic transmission.
SSRI’s initial effects
CNS Stimulation - restlessness, GI upset, usually improves with time.
SSRI’s therapeutic response
Gradual improvement in most depressive symptoms in 1-6 weeks. positive response 70-80%
Non-depression indications for SSRI’s
Anxiety D/O - phobia, panic, PTSD, OCD Eating D/O - bulimia PMDD ADD/ADHD And many more - off-label
SSRI’s ADME
PO Protein bound CYP3A4 - phase 2 glucoronidation Some active metabolites Renal Excretion Long T 1/2 Kinetics are only important for toxic reactions - discontinuation reactions - worse with shorter T1/2 due to faster drop in levels.
SSRI adverse effects
Agitation, insomnia, GI problems, Headache, dizziness, fatigue, weight gain or loss,
Starting with a low dose will help with all of these except the worst one -
sexual dysfunction
SNRI mechanism of action
Block SERT - similar to SSRI’s.
At medium to high doses, they also block the NET - can increase BP at high dose.
Unique indication for SNRI’s
Neuropathic Pain
SSRI’s/SNRI’s overdose toxicity
Generally safe, but when combined with MAOI’s can lead to life threatening Seratonin Syndrome. - Hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, myoclonus, akathisia, hyperreflexia, fluctuating vital signs, and mental status.