Anxiolytics and Antidepressants Flashcards
What is Parkinsons disease caused by?
Loss of dopamine from neurones in the mid brain.
What drug can be used to replace dopamine?
L-dopa
What do monoamine transmitter systems do?
Affect broad functional states, such as arousal and mood.
What are the symptoms of depression?
Low or depressed mood. Anhedonia.Low energy or fatigue.
What are the symptoms of mania?
Elation, talkativeness, creativity, fullness of energy and confidence.
What stages are involved in the stress process?
Stress causes hypothalamus to release CRH > CRH activates the sympathetic nervous system > pituitary gland releases ACTH > adrenal gland releases cortisol > physiological changes for a response to stress occur ‘fight or flight’
What causes depression?
High levels of cortisol. Over-activity in the amygdala and hypothalamus. Under-activity in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Imbalance/deficiency of noradrenaline or serotonin.
What are the different treatment types for depression?
Counselling. Psychotherapy e.g CBT. MAOIs, Tricyclic drugs, SSRI’s, third generation antidepressants, mood stabilisers. ECT.
What do monoamine oxidase inhibitors do? (MAOIs)
Non-selective blockers of the metabolism of all monamines. Used commonly for severe depression. Inhibit noradrenaline breakdown.
What is Phenelzine?
An MAOI. Treatment of depression or bipolar.
What is Tranylcypromine?
MAOI. Treatment of severe depression.
What are the side effects of MAOIs?
HTN, Inhibition of cytochrome P450 (liver enzyme). Weight gain, oedema, sexual dysfunction and sedation.
What do Tricyclic antidepressants do?
Non-selectively block the reuptake of noradrenaline and serotonin, leading to an increase in their availability at receptors.
What are the names of some tricyclic antidepressants?
Imipramine, Amitriptyline, Doxepin.
What are the side effects of tricyclic antidepressants?
Weight gain, sexual dysfunction, inhibition of cytochrome P450. Contradicted for use in patients with CV problems. Sedation. Dry mouth, blurred vision, dizziness, headache.
How do Selective Serotonin-reuptake Inhibitors work?
Increase the levels of serotonin in the brain by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin. Most widely used antidepressants.
What are the names of some SSRIs?
Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline, Citalopram. Treat depression, OCD and panic disorders.