Chapter 18_Psychopharmacology Flashcards
Typically how long to antidepressants take to see an effect?
Most require a trial of at least 3-4 weeks, some as little as 1-2 weeks others needing 6-8 weeks.
What are the most common class of antidepressants used and why?
SSRIs.
Low incidence of side effects (most resolve with time), no food restrictions, much safer in overdose
Mechanism of SSRIs
inhibit presynaptic serotonin pumps that take up serotonin -> increased availability of serotonin in synaptic clefts.
FDA blackbox warning for all SSRIs?
potential to increase “suicidal thinking and behavior” in children and young adults (under 25). Can happen to adults as well
T/F: You can have withdrawal from antidepressants
True. “withdrawal phenomena” - dizziness, headaches, nausea, insomnia, malaise…depends on dose and half-life they may need to be tapered
Give some examples of commonly used SSRIs
Fluoxetine (prozac), sertraline (zoloft), paroxetine (paxil), citalopram (celexa), escitalopram (lexapro),fluvoxamine (luvox)
Which SSRI is only approved for OCD and has multiple drug interactions due to CYP inhibition?
fluvoxamine
Whih SSRI has few drug interactions but higher risk for GI disturbance?
sertraline (zoloft)
Which SSRI has the fewest drug drug interactions, but has dose dependent QtC prolongation?
citalopram (celexa)
Which is a levo-enantiomer of citalopram but has fewer side effects, does not need to be tapered?
escitalopram (lexapro)
Which SSRI has several drug-drug interactions, has anticholinergic effects, and a short-half life leading to withdrawal phenomena if not taken correctly?
Paroxetine (paxil)
Why do SSRI’s have fewer side effects than TCAs or MAOIs?
serotonin selectivity (they don’t act on histamine, adrenergic or muscarinc receptors
Some side effects of SSRIs
GI disturbance (nausea/diarrhea, taking with food helps
insomnia; vivid drems
headache
anorexia, weight loss
USUALLY RESOLVE AFTER A FEW DAYS AS BODY GETS USED TO IT
Other side effects that are more serious/rare/won’t usually resolve?
Sexual dysfunction (30-40%) - decreased libido, norgasmia, delayed ejaculation
restlessness
serotonin syndrome (usually seen when combined with MAOIs) = autonomic instability, delirium, hyperreflexia
seizures, hyponatremia
Name two SNRIs
venlafaxine (effexor), duloxetine (cymbalta)
Good SNRI for depression and neuropathic pain, and fibromyalgia?
duloxetine
What advantage does buproprion (Wellbutrin) have over SSRIs? (norepi/dopamine reuptake inhibitor)
Lack of sexual side effects, some efficacy in treatment of ADHD
BUT…can lower seizure threshold, so don’t give to epilepsy or eating disorder patients
ALSO WORKS AS A GOOD SMOKING CESSATION AID
Which antidepressant is useful for treating major depression with insomnia, due to sedative effects?
trazodone!! (serotonin receptor antagonist)
just watch out for priapism
Which antidepressant is useful in treating major depression in patients with significant weight loss and/or insomnia?
mirtazapine (a2-adrenergic receptor antagonist)
MURTAZA LIKES TO SLEEP AND EAT!
Why are TCAs rarely used as first line agents?
LETHALITY IN OVERDOSE, side effect profile, tiration of dosing
Treatment for TCA overdose?
sodium bicarbonate
Name some TCAs
Amitriptyline, imipramine, clomirpamine, doxepin, nrotriptyline
“Anti” side effects of TCAs
Antihistaminic - sedation and weight gain
Anticholinergic - dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision
Antiadrenergic - CARDIOVASCULAR side effects ( orthostati hypotension, dizziness reflex tachcardia, widening QRS QT PR intervals, arrhythmias
3 C’s - cardiotoxicity, convulsions, coma
Mechanism of MAOIs l
prevent inactivation of biogenic amines (NE, serotonin, dopamine, tyramine) by irreversibly inhibiting enzyymes MAO-A and -B.