Antidepressants Flashcards
When treating depression with SSRIs, like fluoxetine or sertraline, side effects include: agitation & insomnia. Which receptor is related to these side effects? A. 5-HT3 B. 5-HT2 C. 5-HT1a/2a D. 5-HT5/7
B (tolerance develops to most)
When treating depression with SSRIs, like fluoxetine or citalopram, side effects include: EPSE & initial anxiety/panic attacks. Which receptor is related to these side effects? A. 5-HT3 B. 5-HT2 C. 5-HT1a/2a D. 5-HT5/7
B (tolerance develops to most, long-term effect is anxiolytic)
When treating depression with SSRIs, like fluoxetine or sertraline, sexual dysfunction occurs in 30-50% of patients. Which receptor is related to these side effects, which include DELAYED ORGASM and decreased libido? A. 5-HT3 B. 5-HT2 C. 5-HT1a/2a D. 5-HT5/7
B (no tolerance, may persist after discontinuation)
How does sexual dysfunction related to SSRI use affect males vs. females?
More common in males, but more severe in females
When treating depression with SSRIs, like fluoxetine or citalopram, side effects include: nausea & GI distress. Which receptor is related to these side effects? A. 5-HT3 B. 5-HT2 C. 5-HT1a/2a D. 5-HT5/7
A (usually transient, tolerance develops)
When treating depression with SSRIs, like fluoxetine or citalopram, side effects include: diarrhea. Which receptor is related to these side effects? A. 5-HT3 B. 5-HT2 C. 5-HT1a/2a D. 5-HT5/7
A (tolerance develops)
2 DDIs to know with SSRIs
MAOIs (serotonin syndrome) and tamoxifen (2D6 interference, tamoxifen loss of efficacy)
Nancy calls the pharmacy wanting to stop her antidepressant (fluoxetine 80 mg) today because she doesn’t think she needs it. What can you tell her about starting/stopping drugs like fluoxetine?
(Obvs an SSRI) Rebound effects can be caused by abrupt discontinuation (dysphoria, agitation, seizures, paranoia)
You are filling prescriptions for Terry, who is on fluoxetine & Eliquis, and see a drug interaction warning. Why is this?
Fluoxetine (or any SSRI) impairs platelet aggregation and increases risk of bleeding
What cardiovascular side effect can be caused by fluoxetine (SSRI)?
QT interval prolongation
What ocular side effect can be caused by fluoxetine (SSRI)?
Mydriasis (pupillary dilation —> precipitate closed-angle glaucoma)
What is nocturnal bruxism and why am i even asking this………….
Grinding teeth during the night (there is a point:) causes headache associated with fluoxetine (SSRI)
AE= bone fractures (among others!!)
Fluoxetine (SSRI)
Main MOA of trazodone
Antagonized 5-HT2a and weakly inhibits SERT
What “off target” actions of trazodone account for some of its side effects?
Blocks a1 and H1 receptors (little to no effect on muscarinic receptors)
2 advantages of trazodone use (antagonizes 5-HT2A, weakly inhibits SERT, a1 block, H1 block)
5-HT2a antagonism may reduce those side effects (sexual, insomnia, EPSE, agitation), may benefit depressed patients with insomnia
Use: major depressive disorder (not first-line, more so used for treatment-resistant depression)
Might decrease side effects associated with SSRIs
Trazodone
Which of the following is a side effect due to trazodone? A. Priapism B. Insomnia C. Hypertensive crisis D. Weight gain
A (rare but potentially serious, from a1 blockade)
Which of the following is a side effect due to trazodone and fluoxetine? A. Weight loss B. Bleeding risk C. Nocturnal bruxism D. Bone fractures
B (impaired platelet aggregation)
Side effects of trazodone include priapism, bleeding risk, ____, and ____.
Sedation, orthostatic hypotension
MOA of duloxetine
(SNRI) inhibition of SERT and NERT
What are the off-target actions of duloxetine (specifically, a1/h1/M)?
Little or no action (like SSRIs!)
Describe the SERT/NERT selectivity of duloxetine, an SNRI.
SERT > NERT 5x (others in the class have 10X selectivity for SERT)
Use: major depressive disorder
Anxiety
Pain syndromes
Stress incontinence
Duloxetine (SNRI- pain= diabetic neuropathy/fibromyalgia/musculoskeletal pain)
T/F: Duloxetine has similar side effects & drug interactions as SSRIs - except the sexual dysfunction.
False (including the sexual dysfunction!!)
Why are TCAs not as commonly used as SSRIs or SNRIs?
A. They are less studied
B. Side effects & potential for lethal overdose
C. They are not as effective
D. Rebound depression upon discontinuation
b
MOA of amitriptyline
Inhibits SERT and NERT (tricyclic antidepressant)
Describe the SERT/NERT selectivity of amitriptyline
SERT < NERT 8x
What are the off-target actions of amitriptyline (specifically, a1/h1/M)?
Antagonized all of them (side effects!!)
Uses: major depressive disorder
Pain syndromes
Amitriptyline (TCA- pain= migraine prophylaxis, diabetic neuropathy, IBS)
List the side effects of amitriptyline related to its off target blockade
M - tachycardia, a1- orthostatic hypotension and drowsiness, h1- sedation and weight gain
Sexual dysfunction side effects of amitriptyline are 5-HT___(number) receptor-related.
2
Which of the following describes the symptoms of TCA (amitriptyline) overdose toxicity? Select all that apply. A. Agitation/delirium B. Hypotension C. GI cramping D. Hyperpyrexia
A and B (neurological and CV)
Which of the following describes the symptoms of TCA (amitriptyline) overdose toxicity? Select all that apply. A. Severe insomnia B. Arrhythmias C. Vomiting, diarrhea D. Seizures
B and D (neuro & CV)
Which of the following describes the symptoms of TCA (amitriptyline) overdose toxicity? Select all that apply. A. Muscle rigidity B. Excessive salivation & sweating C. Loss of consciousness D. Severe tachycardia
C and D (neuro & CV)
List 2 atypical antidepressants that are alternatives when patients are not responsive to, or cannot tolerate, SSRIs/SNRIs.
Bupropion, mirtazepine