Depression Flashcards
Background information for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in depression, behavior, eating, and nausea/vomiting. Serotonin must be available in the synaptic cleft long enough to exert an effect. When neurons absorb serotonin it can no longer exert an effect
Pharmacology of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Block the reuptake of serotonin, allowing serotonin to remain in the synaptic cleft to allow more time to exert it effects
Indications of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Depression
- Behavior disorders
- Eating disorders
Side effects of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Changes in body weight
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Serotonin syndrome
Drug interactions of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Increased risk of bleeding when taken with NSAIDs, anticoagulants, or antiplatelets
- Increased risk of serotonin syndrome when used with other medications that increase the effect of serotonin
Important Note
All antidepressants have the potential to cause suicidal ideation and behavior in young patients
Important Note
All antidepressants have a slow onset of action and may require several weeks to reach peak effect
Background information for Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
Similar to serotonin, norepinephrine also plays a role in depression and behavior
Pharmacology of Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs works just like SSRIs, but in addition to blocking the reuptake of serotonin, they also block the reuptake of norepinephrine
Indications of Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Side effects of Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Changes in body weight
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Serotonin syndrome
- Cardiovascular side effects
Drug interactions of Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Increased risk of serotonin syndrome when taken with other drugs that increase serotonin activity
Important note
All antidepressants have the potential to cause suicidal ideation and behavior in young patients
Important note
All antidepressants have a slow onset of action and may require several weeks to reach peak effect
Background information for Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
Serotonin and norepinephrine play a role in mood and energy levels
Pharmacology of Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
Block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine
Indications of Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Generalized anxiety disorders
- Diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Side effects of Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
- Tachycardia (heart beats faster than normal)
- Heart palpitations (feeling of rapid or pounding heart)
- Hypertension (high bp)
- Dry mouth
- Weight gain
- Reduced sex drive
- Serotonin syndrome
Drug interactions of Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
- Increased risk of serotonin syndrome when taken with other drugs that increase serotonin activity
Important note for Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
TCAs are an older class of antidepressants, they generally have more side effects and drug interactions
Important note for Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
All antidepressants have the potential to cause suicidal ideation and behavior in young patients
Important note for Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
All antidepressants have a slow onset of action and may require several weeks to reach peak effect
