Mental Health COPY Flashcards
Amitriptyline is an example of what kind of drug?
TCA
Mechanism of TCAs
Inhibit neuronal reuptake of serotonin and adrenaline from the synaptic cleft
Block receptors including alpha 1/2, muscuranic, histamine, dopamine
Indications for use of TCAs
Second line treatment for moderate to severe depression
Neuropathic pain
CIs of TCAs
Elderly CVD Constipated Prostatic hyperplasia Epileptic
Side effects of TCAs
TCAs
Tremor
Cardiovascular (arrhythmia)
Antimuscuranic (dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, urinary retention)
Sedation and seizures
Which drugs should TCAs not be prescribed with
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
What should a patient be told to avoid doing whilst taking TCAs
Not to stop suddenly
Not to take more than the stated dose
Citalopram, fluoxetine and sertraline are examples of which drug class?
SSRIs
Mechanism of SSRIs
Similar to TCAs but they DO NOT INHIBIT ADRENALINE REUPTAKE, only serotonin
Do not block as many other receptors unlike TCAs
Indications for use of SSRIs
Moderate to severe Depression
Panic disorder
OCD
CI of SSRIs
Prescribed with caution in those with with epilepsy or PUD
SSRIs have poor efficacy in young people and cause thoughts of self harm so should only be prescribed by a specialist
Dose reduction in hepatic impariment
Side effects of SSRIs
GI upset Appetite change + weight change Suicidal thoughts Hyponatremia Lowered seizure threshold
What is serotonin syndrome?
A triad of autonomic hyperactivity, altered mental state and neuromuscular excitation
What happens if SSRIs are suddenly withdrawn?
GI disturbance
Neurological and influenza like symptoms
Sleep disturbance
Which drug should SSRIs not be prescribed with and why?
Monoxidase inhibitors. They both result in increased levels of serotonin in the synaptic cleft which can lead to serotonin syndrome (much like TCAs)
Any drug which prolongs the QT interval ie antipyschotics