Antidepressants

Question 1

Describe the mechanism of action (how it works) of MAOIs

Answer 1

Prevents the destruction of ALL monamines, causing levels to rise

Question 2

List 3 monoamines

Answer 2

Serotonin
Dopamine
Norepinephrine

Question 3

Examples of MAOIs are

Answer 3

isocarboxazid
phenelzine
selegiline
tranylcypromine

Question 4

Why should clients avoid tyramine while taking an MAOI?

Answer 4

Consuming tyramine can cause a severe hypertensive crisis that could lead to stroke or death

Question 5

Monoamine oxidase

Answer 5

enzyme that destroys monoamines

Question 6

Give examples of food/drinks that contain tyramine

Answer 6

Aged cheese
meats
wine (Chianti)
liver
avocado

Question 7

What are some serious MAOI drug interactions?

Answer 7

OTC cold medications
other antidepressants
meperidine

Question 8

How does serotonin syndrome develop?

Answer 8

this occurs when you take a medication that cause high levels of serotonin to accumulate in your body

Question 9

What are some signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome?

Answer 9

headache
seizures
fever
increased hr and bp
diarrhea
twitching muscles,rigidity, loss of muscle coordination
confusion/agitation

Question 10

What is the mechanism of action (how it works) of TCAs?

Answer 10

they block the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin

Question 11

List 4 examples of TCAs

Answer 11

amitriptyline
clomipramine
imipramine
nortriptyline

Question 12

The more neurotransmitters you mess with, the more ____ _____

Answer 12

side effects

Question 13

Why aren’t TCAs the first line of treatment for depression anymore?

Answer 13

TCAs are considered “dirty” drugs with several side effects and there are now safer alternatives such as SSRIs

Question 14

Identify ways to reduce dry mouth

Answer 14

sugarless candy/lozenges

artificial saliva

Question 15

TCAs also block the action of

Answer 15

Histamine

Acetylcholine (Cholinergic)

Question 16

If Acetylcholine is blocked, what side effects would you expect to experience?

Answer 16

Cant see, spit, pee, defecate

Question 17

If Histamine is blocked, what side effects would you expect to experience?

Answer 17

drowsiness

Question 18

Taking too much of a TCA can cause

Answer 18

death

Question 19

Adverse effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, sedation, orthostasis occur because

Answer 19

TCAs block the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin as well as the receptors for histamine and acetylcholine

Question 20

Describe the mechanism of action of SSRIs

Answer 20

they selectively block the reuptake of only seretonin

Question 21

List 4 examples of SSRIs

Answer 21

fluoxetine
paroxetine
fluvoxamine
sertraline

Question 22

According to the SSRI black box warning, what age group is most likely to experience idealization of suicide?

Answer 22

patients under the age of 18

Question 23

According to the SSRI black box warning, what age group is less likely to experience idealization of suicide?

Answer 23

patients over the age of 65

Question 24

What is the mechanism of action of NRIs?

Answer 24

they block the reuptake of norepinephrine

Question 25

Give an example of an NRI

Answer 25

altomoxetine

Question 26

What is altomoxetine approved by the FDA to treat?

Answer 26

ADHD

Question 27

The higher the dose of mirtazapine, the less ______ it is

Answer 27

sedative

Question 28

Atypical antidepressants

Answer 28

bupropion
trazadone
mirtazapine

Question 29

When taking the SNRIs Effexor or Pristiq, you must monitor

Answer 29

blood pressure

Question 30

MAOIs are first choice drugs for what patients?

Answer 30

Those with atypical depression