Antidepressants: Atypical Flashcards
What are the 3 examples of atypical antidepressants mentioned in the class notes?
Bupropion
Mirtazapine
Trazodone
Which of the 3 examples is a DNRI (dopimine-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor)?
Bupropion
BUPROPION: What are 4 effects seen with this drug?
Helps with mood
Doesn’t help with anxiety
No sexual side-effects–> actually may increase sexual desire
No weight gain
Since bupropion helps increase sexual desire, bupropion is sometimes used to counteract sexual dysfunction in patients taking what other anti-depressant?
SSRIs; SSRIs have a lot of sexual side-effect complaints; giving bupropion instead may help with that
What is the side-effect of bupropion that is the greatest concern?
Seizures
Can bupropion and MAOIs be taken together?
No
Mirtazapine: What receptor does mirtazapine block? What does that blockage lead to?
Mirtazapine blocks histamine receptors, which promotes sedation and weight gain.
How much weight gain may be seen in patients taking mirtazapine?
40-60 lbs
Can you take mirtazapine with MAOIs?
No
Why might HIV patients be prescribed mirtazapine?
Because HIV patients may have muscle wasting–> Mirtazapine causes weight gain, so in HIV patients, weight gain is actually a beneficial and desired side-effect
Trazadone: MOA?
Trazadone produces selective, but moderate, blocked of serotonin uptake
What is trazadone usually prescribed for?
A sleep-aid
What are the benefits in trazadone?
Sleep-aid that doesn’t affect REM sleep
Cheap
