Depression Flashcards
Which 2 main neurotransmitters are depleted in depression?
Serotonin (5-HT)
Noradrenaline (NA)
What are some symptoms of depression?
Fluctuating weight
Suicidal thoughts
Retardation
Feeling worthless
Fatigue
What happens to the symptoms of depression during the first 4 weeks after starting treatment?
They increase
What are the 2 1st line option treatments for depression?
SSRIs - sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram
SNRIs - duloxetine, venlafaxine
Which drugs are associated with QT prolongation when given with SSRIs, and hence should be avoided?
Ondansetron
Amiodarone
Theophylline
Methadone
What alternative drug should you give if a patient is on a QT prolonging drug, or is taking warfarin?
Mirtazapine
What are some examples of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOi)?
Selegline
Phenelzine
What are some examples of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?
Amitriptyline
Imipramine
Lofepramine
What is the cheese & wine effect?
Associated with MAOi - cheese and wine contain tyrosine which can build up noradrenaline (NA), causing hypertension and headaches
Which antidepressant drug class can reduce seizure threshold levels?
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
Which class of antidepressant drug is given as last resort?
Reversible MAO (RIMAs), e.g. moclobemide
What substances can increase sedation when taken with TCAs?
Alcohol
Benzodiazepines
