CITALOPRAM

Question 1

Drug class

Answer 1

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Question 2

How does it work? (2)

Answer 2

1. inhibits the re-uptake of serotonin from the synaptic cleft
2. this increases it’s availability for neurotransmission

Question 3

How do they differ from tricyclic antidepressants? (2)

Answer 3

1. they do not inhibit NA uptake

2. cause less blockage of other receptors

Question 4

Indications (3)

Answer 4

1. mild-mod-severe depression
2. panic disorders
3. OCD

Question 5

Contra-indications (3)

Answer 5

1. head
   - epilepsy
2. GI

• peptic ulcer
• hepatic impairment

3. age
   - young people - increases suicidal thoughts

Question 6

Side effects (5)

Answer 6

1. GI

• upset
• appetite disturbance
• weight disturbance

2. ions
   - hyponaetremia
3. head

• suicidal thoughts and behaviour
• seizures
• serotnin syndrome

4. heart
   - prolonged QT
5. blood
   - risk of bleeding

Question 7

What does sudden withdrawal of citalopram cause? (4)

Answer 7

1. GI upset
2. neurological
3. flu-like symptoms
4. sleep disturbance

Question 8

Interactions (2)

Answer 8

1. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
   - serotonin syndrome
2. drugs that prolong QT interval

Question 9

Eliminations (2)

Answer 9

1. 85% liver

2. 15% kidneys