Pharmacology Flashcards
what is the monoamine hypothesis
depression results from a functional deficit of monoamine transmitters in particular serotonin (5HT) and noradrenaline
what does serotonin influence
mood sleep feeding behaviour sensory perception
what is the post-synaptic serotonin receptor
5-HT
what is the post-synaptic noradrenaline receptor
a1
b
serotonin is synthesised in the presynaptic neurone from what
tryptophan
noradrenaline is synthesised in the presynaptic neurone from what
tyrosine
when serotonin and noradrenaline are reuptaken into the presynaptic neurone what breaks them down
Monoamine oxidase
give an example of a reversible MAOI
moclobemide
give an example of an irreversible MAOI
phenelzine
what is a major side effect of MAOIs
cheese reaction
what is a cheese reaction
hypertensive crisis caused by a build up of tyramine
how does a hypertensive/cheese reaction occur
MAOIs block MAO-A in the gut and liver which breaks down dietary tyramine. The build up of tyramine causes NA release which makes BP skyrocket
or by interaction with other drugs that potentiate amine transmission e.g. other antidepressants (SSRI, TCA), pseudoephedrine
what foods should be avoided when taking MAOI
foods that have been aged or fermented
red wine
cheese
soy
what other issues arise with MAOI
potentiate the effects of other drugs
what are some side effects of MAOI
insomnia, postural hypotension, peripheral oedema, dizziness
what drugs can MAOIs potentiate the action of
TCAs, barbiturates, morphine, ethanol, pseudoephedrine
how do TCAs work
block the reuptake of noradrenaline and serotonin into presynaptic terminals by blocking their transporters
what additional actions do TCAs have and what does this lead to
also block dopamine, histamine and muscarinic Ach receptors leading to lots of side effects
give 6 examples of tricyclics
imipramine amitriptyline clomipramine doxepin dosulepin lofepramine
what are some side effects of tricyclics
cardiovascular
anticholinergic
weight gain and sedation
TCAs are ____ in overdose
cardiotoxic in overdose
what are the anticholinergic side effects of TCAs
blurred vision dry mouth constipation urinary retention sexual dysfunction
what are some cardiovascular effects of TCAs
postural hypotension
tachycardia
arrhythmias - QT prolongation
give 5 examples of SSRIs
fluoxetine sertraline citalopram escitalopram paroxetine
how do SSRIs work
selectively block the reuptake of serotonin (5HT) from the synaptic cleft
what are some things to be careful of when using SSRIs in the elderly
hyponatraemia and falls
what are some things to be careful of when using SSRIs in young people
transient increase in suicidality in first few weeks
what are some side effects of SSRIs
increased anxiety, sweating vivid dreams, insomnia head ache sexual dysfunction GI upset
what kind of GI symptoms do you get with SSRIs
nausea
abdominal pain
constipation
increased risk of GI bleed
when does the nausea with SSRIs usually settle
2 weeks
SSRIs are ____ in overdose
safe
what should be done when stopping an SSRI and why
taper dose as assoc. with withdrawal
some SSRIs can alter drug levels - how?
inhibit CP450 enzyme
how do SNRIs work
block the reuptake of noradrenaline and 5HT into the pre-synaptic terminals
give 2 examples of SNRIs
venlafaxine
duloxetine
what is another time when duloxetine is used
stress incontinence
what are the side effects of SNRIs
GI upset similar to SSRIs
cardiovascular
what cardiovascular side effects do you get with SNRIs
hypertension
palpitations
dizziness
why are SNRIs preferred to TCAs
lack major receptor blocking properties of TCAs so more limited range of SEs
how does mirtazapine work
blocks a2, 5HT2 and 5HT3 presynaptic receptors
- noradrenaline, serotonin and histamine
why is mirtazapine beneficial when given with an SSRI
blocks serotonergic side effects
what are some side effects of mirtazapine
sedation and weight gain
how does bupropion work
dopamine uptake inhibitor
how does trazadone work
potent serotonin and noradrenaline receptor antagonist
what is the main side effect of trazadone
sedation
when should patients be reviewed after starting antidepressant
2 weeks
how long should treatment be continued before switching drug
should have treatment for 4 weeks (6 in elderly)
following remission how long should an antidepressant be continued
6 months