Drugs for Mood Disorders Flashcards
what are the three major classes of neurotransmitters?
- small molecule neurotransmitters
- neuropeptides
- neurotransmitter gases
what are the monoamines?
- dopamine (DA)
- serotonin (5-HT)
- epinephrine (E)
- norepinephrine (NE)
what are the two neurotransmitter systems?
- noradrenergic system
- serotonergic system
Principle neurotransmitter and location of the noradrenergic system
- norepinephrine
- originating from the locus coerulus projecting to the limbic system and cerebral cortex
Principle neurotransmitter and location of the serotonergic system
- serotonin
- originating from the raphe nuclei projecting to the limbic system and cerebral cortex
what is the purpose of the noradrenergic system?
- maintains emotional tone (mood, wakefulness, arousal)
what is the purpose of the serotonergic system?
- maintains sleep-wake cycle, emotional tone, and sensory perceptions
what enzyme metabolizes the noradrenergic system and the serotonergic system?
MAO- monoamine oxidase
define mood disorder
- a persistent disturbance in mood that impairs a persons ability to effectively deal with normal ADL’s
what are some signs and symptoms of major depressive disorder (depression)?
- lack of energy
- sleep disturbances
- abnormal eating patterns
- feelings of guilt or hopelessness
what is situational depression?
- short-lasting, often reactive as a result circumstances
what is postpartum depression?
- presents 2 weeks to 6 months after childbirth
what is seasonal affective disorder?
- associated with dark winter months and lower levels of natural light
what do anti-depressants do?
- treat depression by enhancing mood; phobias, OCD, panic attacks, anxiety, and PTSD
- effective in treating both the psychological and physical signs of pain
- used for the management of childhood enuresis
how do anti-depressants exert their effects through actions on dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine?
- blocking the enzymatic breakdown of NE
- slowing the reuptake of serotonin and NE
what are the two drug classes for treating depression?
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- atypical anti-depressants
what is the mechanism of action for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors?
- inhibit serotonin reuptake into the presynaptic neuronal
- no affinity for histamine, alpha adrenergic, or muscarinic receptors
what are some adverse effects with SSRIs?
-sexual dysfunction, nausea, headache, weight gain, anxiety, and sleep disturbances
what are withdrawal effects with SSRIs?
- nausea, dizziness, anxiety, tremor, and palpitations
what are the four types of atypical antidepressants?
- SNRIS, NDRIs, tricyclic anti-depressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors
what is the mechanism of action of SNRIs?
- inhibit reuptake of serotonin snd norepinephrine to elevate mood; may cause symptoms to improve early
- also effective in the management of neuropathic pain; may increase the risk of postpartum hemorrhage
what is the mechanism of action of NDRIs?
- can be used as an antidepressant and a smoking cessation
what is contraindicated with NDRIs?
people with seizure disorders; less likely to induce sexual dysfunction, weight gain or insomnia
what is the mechanism of action of tricyclic antidepressant drugs?
- inhibit norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine reuptake into the presynaptic neuron increasing norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the synapse
