core drugs of depression

Question 1

what is the Primary mechanism of action of Sertraline?

Answer 1

Inhibition of serotonin reuptake results in an accumulation of serotonin. Serotonin in the central nervous system plays a role in the regulation of mood, personality, and wakefulness.

Question 2

what is the drug target of Sertraline?

Answer 2

Serotonin transporter

Question 3

what are the main side effects of Sertraline?

Answer 3

GI effects (nausea, diarrhoea), sexual dysfunction, anxiety, insomnia

Question 4

what are some facts about Sertraline?

Answer 4

Mild inhibition of dopamine transporter

Must be gradually decreased on discontinuation. Partial inhibition of CYP2D6 at high doses (150 mg).

In 2020 – Sertraline was the 16th most commonly prescribed drug in West London area

Question 5

what is the Primary mechanism of action of Citalopram?

Answer 5

Inhibition of serotonin reuptake results in an accumulation of serotonin. Serotonin in the central nervous system plays a role in the regulation of mood, personality, and wakefulness.

Question 6

what is the drug target of Citalopram?

Answer 6

Serotonin transporter

Question 7

what are the main side effects of Citalopram?

Answer 7

GI effects (nausea, diarrhoea), sexual dysfunction, anxiety, insomnia

Question 8

what are some facts about Citalopram?

Answer 8

Mild antagonism of muscarinic and histamine (H1) receptors

Must be gradually decreased on discontinuation. Metabolized by CYP2C19.

In 2020 – Citalopram was the 27th most commonly prescribed drug in West London area

Question 9

what is the Primary mechanism of action of Fluoxetine?

Answer 9

Inhibition of serotonin reuptake results in an accumulation of serotonin. Serotonin in the central nervous system plays a role in the regulation of mood, personality, and wakefulness.

Question 10

what is the drug target of Fluoxetine?

Answer 10

Serotonin transporter

Question 11

what are the main side effects of Fluoxetine?

Answer 11

GI effects (nausea, diarrhoea), sexual dysfunction, anxiety, insomnia

Question 12

what are some facts about Fluoxetine?

Answer 12

Mild antagonism of 5HT2A and 5HT2C receptors

Complete inhibition of CYP2D6 and significant inhibition of CYP2C19 (caution with warfarin).

In 2020 – Fluoxetine was the 68th most commonly prescribed drug in West London area

Question 13

what is the Primary mechanism of action of Venlafaxine?

Answer 13

Venlafaxine is a more potent inhibitor of serotonin reuptake than norepinephrine reuptake.

Noradrenaline in the central nervous system is implicated in the regulation of emotions and cognition.



Question 14

what is the drug target of Venlafaxine?

Answer 14

Serotonin transporter

Noradrenaline transporter

Question 15

what are the main side effects of Venlafaxine?

Answer 15

GI effects (nausea, diarrhoea), sexual dysfunction, anxiety, insomnia, hypertension (at higher doses)

Question 16

what are some facts about Venlafaxine?

Answer 16

Must be gradually decreased on discontinuation

In 2020 – Venlafaxine was the 83rd most commonly prescribed drug in West London area

Question 17

what is the Primary mechanism of action of Mirtazapine?

Answer 17

Antagonises central presynaptic alpha-2-adrenergic receptors, which causes an increased release of serotonin and norepinephrine.

Antagonises central 5HT2 receptors, which leaves 5HT1 receptors unopposed causing anti-depressant effects.

Question 18

what is the drug target of Mirtazapine?

Answer 18

Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor

5-HT2 receptor

Question 19

what are the main side effects of Mirtazapine?

Answer 19

Weight gain, sedation

Question 20

what are some facts about Mirtazapine?

Answer 20

Low probability of sexual dysfunction. May exacerbate REM sleep behaviour disorder



In 2020 – Mirtazapine was the 30th most commonly prescribed drug in West London area