Miscellaneous Antidepressants

Question 1

Venlafaxine: mechanism of actino, halflife, side effects?

Answer 1

SNRI; 5h, anxiety; may increase blood pressure at higher doses, headache, insomnia, sweating.

Question 2

Nefazodone: mechanism of actino, halflife, side effects?

Answer 2

Serotonin-2 antagonist and serotonin reuptake inhibitor; 2-4h; sedation, hepatotoxicity but decreased sexual dysfunction.

Question 3

Trazodone: mechanism of actino, halflife, side effects, other uses and interference with other drugs?

Answer 3

Serotonin-2 antagonist and serotonin reuptake inhibitor; 10-15h; Priapism, orthostatic hypotension, sedation; lower doses help with sleep problems; avoid with MAOIs

Question 4

Mirtazapine: mechanism of actino, halflife, side effects?

Answer 4

Noradrenergic and specific serotonin antagonist; 20-40h; weight gain, sedation but no interference with sexual function, no nausea or diarrhea

Question 5

Bupropion: mechanism of actino, halflife, side effects, other uses and contraindications?

Answer 5

Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and dopamine reuptake inhibitor; 14h; Gastrointestinal: nausea, anorexia, risk of seizures at higher doses, less sexual dysfunction; used for smoking cessation but contraindicated in eating or seizure disorder.