Pharmacology Flashcards
What class do the neurotransmitters NA and seritonin 5-HT belong to?
monoamines
Noradrenaline pathways in the brain are widely distributed. T or F
true
Where do the NA pathways of the brain originate?
brainstem
What primitive features does NA have a role in?
arousal and emotion
Serotonin pathways are widely distributed through the cortexes and subcortical areas. T or F
true
Where do the serotonin 5-HT pathways of the brain originate?
brainstem
Serotonin 5-HT has a role in mood, sleep, feed, behaviour, sensory perception and analgesia. T or F
true
What non psychiatric disorder can antidepressants be prescribed for?
neuropathic pain
migraine
What is the 1st line antidepressant?
there isn’t one. match to patient’s needs - but generally its a SSRI
Give examples of MAOIs monoamine oxidase inhibitors?
phenelzine, moclobemide
Typical antidepressants act at the _____ and include the classes _____, ______, _____ and ______. Atypical antidepressants act at the ______.
Typical antidepressants act at the synapse and include the classes MAOIs, SSRIs, SNRIs and tricyclics. Atypical antidepressants act post-synaptically.
What must you be mindful of when prescribing MAOIs and why?
PTx cannot eat foods containing tyramine (cheese, venison, red wine etc.) since can cause hypertensive crisis
How would a hypertensive crisis due to eating tyramine when taking MAOIs present?
headache
SOB
nosebleed
Give examples of MAOI SEs
insomnia
postural hypotension
peripheral edema
What is the mechanism of tricyclics?
non-selectively inhibit monoamine reuptake
Give examples of tricyclic antidepressants
amitriptyline
dosulepin
imipramine
lofepramine
What are the contraindications to tricyclics?
elderly / cognitive impairment
suicidal intent - is this true?
Can you overdose on tricyclics?
yes - OD is cardiotoxic
What are some side effects of tricyclic antidepressants
anticholinergic SEs sedation weight gain arrhythmia postural hypotension
Give examples of anticholinergic side effects
blurred vision constipation dry mouth urinary retention sweating
What is the mechanism of SSRIs?
inhibit serotonin 5-HT reuptake at synaptic cleft to increase extracellular 5-HT conc
Can you OD on SSRIs?
SSRIs have no OD risk
Give examples of SSRIs
fluoxetine citalopram paroxetine escitalopram sertraline
What are the side effects of SSRIs
nausea HA sweat vivid dream anxiety/agitation sex
Give examples of SNRIs
venlafaxine, duloxetine
What is the mechanism of SNRIs
non-selectively block reuptake to presynaptic terminal
What are the side effects of SNRIs
Same as SSRIs but more likely
What drug class are reboxetine and maprotiline in?
antidepressants - NA reuptake inhibitor