ATYPICAL DEPRESSANTS

Question 1

Inhibits NE and DA reuptake. Also used for smoking cessation.

Toxicity: stimulant effects (tachycardia, insomnia), headache, seizures in patients with bulimia and anorexia nervosa.

Favorable sexual side effect profile.

Answer 1

Bupropion

Question 2

α2-antagonist ( release of NE and 5-HT), potent 5-HT2
and 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, and H1
antagonist.

Toxicity: sedation (which may be desirable in depressed patients with insomnia), appetite, weight gain (which may be desirable in underweight patients), dry mouth.

Answer 2

Mirtazapine

Question 3

Primarily blocks 5-HT2, α1-adrenergic, and H1 receptors; also weakly inhibits 5-HT reuptake.

Used primarily for insomnia, as high doses are needed for antidepressant effects.

Toxicity: sedation,
nausea, priapism, postural hypotension.

Think traZZZobone due to sedative and male-specific
side effects.

Answer 3

Trazodone

Question 4

Nicotinic ACh receptor partial agonist. Used for smoking cessation.

Toxicity: sleep disturbance, depressed mood, suicidal ideation. Varenicline helps nicotine cravings decline.

Answer 4

Varenicline

Question 5

Inhibits 5-HT reuptake; 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist. Used for MDD.

Toxicity: headache,
diarrhea, nausea, anticholinergic effects.

May cause serotonin syndrome if taken with other
serotonergic agents.

Answer 5

Vilazodone

Question 6

Inhibits 5-HT reuptake; 5-HT1A receptor agonist and 5-HT3 receptor antagonist.

Used for MDD.

Toxicity: nausea, sexual dysfunction, sleep disturbances, anticholinergic effects.

May cause serotonin syndrome if taken with other serotonergic agents.

Answer 6

Vortioxetine

Question 7

Long-acting oral opiate used for heroin detoxification or long-term maintenance therapy.

NOT an Atypical antidepressants

Answer 7

Methadone

Question 8

Sublingual form (partial agonist) used to prevent relapse.

NOT an Atypical antidepressants

Answer 8

Buprenorphine

Question 9

Short-acting opioid antagonist given IM, IV, or as a nasal spray to treat acute opioid overdose, particularly to reverse respiratory and CNS depression.

NOT an Atypical antidepressants

Answer 9

Naloxone

Question 10

Long-acting oral opioid antagonist used after detoxification to prevent relapse. Use naltrexone for
the long trex back to sobriety.

NOT an Atypical antidepressants

Answer 10

Naltrexone