Antidepressants Flashcards
Name the major classes of antidepressants (there are 4)
SSRIs, Heterocyclic antidepressants (TCAs and tetracyclics), MAOIs, and miscellaneous
How many patients respond to an antidepressant?
Approximately 60-70% of patients will respond to an antidepressant
How long does it take for antidepressants to start working?
Most require a trial of 3-4 weeks for any effect. Some people require as little as 1-2 weeks, some require 6-8 weeks for significant improvement
What symptoms are present in withdrawal phenomenon? (Name 5)
Dizziness, headaches, nausea, insomnia, malaise
How can we prevent withdrawal phenomenon?
Depending on dose, and half-life, may need to taper antidepressants when discontinuing use
In general, what factors should we consider in choosing an antidepressant?
Patient’s particular symptoms, previous treatment responses by the patient or a family member to a particular medication, side-effect profile, comorbid conditions, risk of suicide via overdose on the medication, and cost
How do SSRIs work?
SSRIs inhibit presynaptic serotonin pumps that take up serotonin, leading to increased availability of serotonin in synaptic clefts. Additionally, SSRIs cause downstream effects increasing brain plasticity - may be why the onset of antidepressant effect is delayed
How often should SSRIs be dosed?
SSRIs can be dosed daily; fluoxetine can be dosed weekly
Advantages of SSRIs (name 3)
Low incidence of side effects, most of which resolve with time, no food restrictions, and much safer in overdose
Name the common SSRIs (there are 6)
Fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, citalopram, and escitalopram
Fluoxetine - trade name is:
Prozac
What is unique about fluoxetine’s half-life
Longest half-life with active metabolites; no need to taper
Who can use fluoxetine?
Fluoxetine is safe in pregnancy, and is approved for use in children and adolescents
Common side effects of fluoxetine include: (name 3)
Insomnia, anxiety, sexual dysfunction
Fluoxetine + antipsychotics = ?
Fluoxetine can elevate levels of antipsychotics, leading to increased side effects
Sertraline - trade name is:
Zoloft
Fluoxetine - type of drug?
SSRI
Sertraline - type of drug?
SSRI
Side effects of sertraline include: (name 4)
GI disturbances, insomnia, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction
Paroxetine - trade name is:
Paxil
Paroxetine - type of drug?
SSRI
Does sertraline have few or many drug interactions?
Very few
Does paroxetine have few or many drug interactions? Why?
Many, because paroxetine is highly protein-bound
Common side effects of paroxetine: (name 4)
Anticholinergic effects (sedation, weight gain, constipation), and sexual dysfunction
Is the half-life of paroxetine short or long?
Short. Can lead to withdrawal phenomena if not taken consistently
Fluvoxamine: trade name
Luvox
Fluvoxamine: type of drug?
SSRI
Fluvoxamine is used in what psychiatric condition?
Currently, fluvoxamine is only approved for treatment of OCD
Fluvoxamine common side effects: (name 2)
Nausea and vomiting
Does fluvoxamine have few or multiple drug interactions? Why?
Multiple, due to CYP inhibition