Pharm psych 2 - Anti-Depressants Flashcards
What are the major categories of antidepressants
SSRIs, heterocyclic (TCAs) and tetracyclic antidepressants, MAOIs, miscellaneous
How long should you give a patient an antidepressant for before changing meds
Most meds require trial of at least 3-4 weeks. Some patients respond in 1-2 weeks, others 6-8 weeks. Do trial for 1-2 months.
What kind of withdrawal sx are a/w with antidepressants. Do they need to be tapered
Depends on dose and half life but yes, may need to be tapered. Nausea, headaches, dizziness, insomnia and malaise
What are the most common antidepressant agents used now
SSRIs because of their safety and tolerability but obvious consider all factors before deciding (Cost, reaction profile, sx, side effect, comorbid conditions, suicide ris)
Examples of SSRIs
Fluoxetine (prozac); sertraline (zoloft); paroxetine (paxil); fluvoxamine (luvox); citalopram (Celexa); Escitalopram (lexapro)
Which SSRI has a weekly dosing form available?
Fluoxetine
What SSRI is approved for use only in OCD?
Fluvoxamine (luvox). Also has a lot of drug drug interactions. N/V common.
What SSRI has the fewest drug drug interactions and possibly lower sexual side effects
Citalopram (celexa)
Which SSRI is highly protein bound? Leading to several drug drug interactions?
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Which SSRI has a short half life and incites withdrawal phenomenon if not taken consistenly?
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Which SSRI has more anti-cholinergic side effects?
Sedation, constipation, weight gain => paroxetine
Which SSRI has the longest half life/no need to taper?
Fluoxetine (prozac)
Fluoxetine can/cannot be used in children/pregnancy?
Safe for both
What SSRI can increase levels of neuroleptics?
Fluoxetine -> thereby increasing side effects
What are the side effects of Zoloft?
Highest risk for GI disturbances. More common sleep changes. It has few drug drug interactions.
Sexual side effects of SSRIs can be treated how?
Augment with buproprion, change meds to non-SSRI antidepressant or give sildanefil to men.
What are the main side effects of SSRIs?
Fewer (vs TCAs and MAOIs) side effects because they are selective . Sexual dysfunction in 25-30% - these typically don’t resolve in a few weeks, GI distrubance (N/D), insomnia (vivid dreams, resolves over time), headache, anorexia/weight loss, restlessness- akathisia like state at initiation, seizures 0.2%, serotonin syndrome
Serotonin syndrome is common when?
Serotonergic drugs are used with MAOIs. SSRIs should not be used till at least 2 weeks after stopping MAOIs
How do SSRIs and Warfarin interact?
Increase warfarin levels. Require increased monitoring when starting / stopping these drugs
What are examples of SNRIs
Duloxetine (cymbalta) and venlafaxine (effexor)
What is venlafaxine generally used for?
Brand name - Effexor. Generally used for depression, anxiety disorders like GAD, and may have some use in ADHD
Side effects for venlafaxine?
Increase BP = don’t use in patients with untreated or labile BP, side effects similar to SSRIs, low drug interaction potential.
Is there an extended dose release form for venlafaxine?
Yes thus allowing for once daily dolsing.
What is desvenlafaxine?
New form desvenlafaxine (pritiz) is an active metabolite and expensive just fyi
Side effects of desvenlafaxine?
Similar to SSRIs, but more dry mouth and constipation relating to NE effects
What kind of medication is bupoprion (wellbutrin)
NE-dopamine reuptake inhibitors
What are the side effects of bupoprion?
1) Less sexual side effects compared to SSRIs 2) Can lower seizure threshold - use with caution in patients with epilepsy and eating disorders. 3) increases risk of psychosis at high doses and increase anxiety in some. 4) avoid in people on MAOIs
What kind of drug is trazadone (desyrel) and nefazodone (serzone)
serotonin receptor antagonist and agonist
What is trazodone and nefazodone used for?
Refractory major depression, major depression with anxiety and insomnnia
What are the side effects of trazodone/nefazodone
no sexual side effects of sSRIs and don’t affect REM sleep. Side effects: nausea, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, cardiac arrythmias, sedation, priapism