Antidepressants - Drug Classes

Question 1

What receptors are tricyclic antidepressants involved in?

Answer 1

*Blocking reuptake of 5HT + NE
*Blocking post-synpatic H1, AChM1, NE (triggers related symptoms)

Question 2

How are tricyclics distributed throughout the body?

Answer 2

*Mostly orally
*Extended half lives from 8-125hrs
*Pregnancy category C
*Risk of OD
*Not addictive or creates tolerance
*Analgesic properties

Question 3

What are some unique characteristics of MAOIs?

Answer 3

Consuming foods high in tyramine (fermented foods) increases risk of hypertension

Question 4

What are some unique characteristics of SSRIs?

Answer 4

*Doesn’t bind to 5HT receptors, only makes 5HT more available to bind to receptors
*Doesn’t bind to NE, AChM, H (reduces related side effects)
*No cardiac effects (safer than TCAs)
*Sedating

Question 5

What are some unique characteristics of SSNRIs?

Answer 5

*Highly selective for NT and 5-HT