Pharmacology

Question 1

Phenelzine, imipramine and fluoxetine are examples of what?

Answer 1

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

Question 2

monoamine oxidase inhibitors role is?

Answer 2

To increase the amount of monoamines in the synaptic cleft

Question 3

what is the monoamine hypothesis

Answer 3

depression resulting from a functional deficit in monoamine transmitter e.g. 5HT and noradrenaline

Question 4

If a drug depletes the amount of monoamine transmitter released what is the likely symptom a patient will describe

Answer 4

low mood

Question 5

MOA of monoamine oxidase inhibitors

Answer 5

inhibit MAO-A and B

Question 6

What is the difference between the MOA of phenelzine and moclobemide

Answer 6

They are both MAO inhibitors however, phenelzine is irreversible and moclobemide is reversible

Question 7

Some important side effects of MAO inhibitors

Answer 7

the ‘cheese reaction’
insomnia
postural hypotension
peripheral oedema

Question 8

Give examples of tricyclic antidepressants

Answer 8

Imipramine
Dosulepin
Amitriptyline
Lofepramine

Question 9

What is the MOA of tricyclic antidepressants?

Answer 9

Block the reuptake of monoamines (mainly 5HT and noradrenaline) into the presynaptic terminals

Question 10

Slide effects of tricyclic antidepressants

Answer 10

weight gain 
sedation
cardiovascular issues 
blurred vision 
dry mouth ]constipation 
urinary retention

Question 11

Which medication should you avoid in people with a history of anxiety

Answer 11

SSRIs

Question 12

Which drugs should you consider avoiding in people with a history of eating disorder

Answer 12

tricyclic antidepressants and mirtazapine

Question 13

Give examples of SSRIs

Answer 13

fluoxetine, citalopram, escitalopram, sertraline, paroxetine

Question 14

MOA of SSRis

Answer 14

selectively inhibit reuptake of serotonin (5HT) from the synaptic cleft

Question 15

Side effects of SSRIs

Answer 15

Nausea, headache
Worsened anxiety 
sweating/vivid dreams
Hyponatraemia 
Increase in self-harm rates and suicidal intention in <25y/o

Question 16

MOA of a monoamine reuptake inhibitor

Answer 16

block the reuptake of monoamines (e.g. noradrenaline and 5HT) into the presynaptic terminals

Question 17

What are the two MA reuptake inhibitors

Answer 17

Venlafaxine and duloxetine

Question 18

How would you describe the MOA of mirtazipine

Answer 18

atypical

Question 19

Major side effect of mirtazipine

Answer 19

weight gain

can also cause sedation

Question 20

Example of a dopamine uptake inhibitor

Answer 20

bupropion

Question 21

MOA of lithium carbonate

Answer 21

its not ok, some really long words, ewww

Question 22

If you administer someone lithium carbonate what must you do

Answer 22

12 hour post-dose blood levels must be checked and monitored due to its very narrow therapeutic window

Question 23

Some side effects of lithium carbonate

Answer 23

dry mouth 
polydipsia/polyuria 
tremor 
hypothyroidism 
long term renal dysfunction 
nephrogenic diabetes insipidus 
weight gain

Question 24

What are the toxic effects associated with lithium carbonate

Answer 24

vomiting 
diarrhoea 
ataxia/coarse tremor 
drowsiness 
convulsion 
coma

Question 25

when should valporate be avoided

Answer 25

in women of child bearing age as it is teratrogenic

Question 26

give examples of anticonvulsants

Answer 26

carbamazepine
valporic acid
lamotrigine

Question 27

when might an anticonvulsant be used as a mood stabiliser

Answer 27

as a method of long term management