Pharmacology of Depression

Question 1

What is the drug target for sertraline?

Answer 1

Serotonin transporter

Question 2

Outline the primary mechanism of action of Sertraline

Answer 2

Inhibition of serotonin reuptake results in an accumulation of serotonin. Serotonin in the central nervous system plays a role in the regulation of mood, personality, and wakefulness.

Question 3

What are the main side effects associated with the use of Sertraline?

Answer 3

GI effects (nausea, diarrhoea) sexual dysfunction, anxiety, insomnia

Question 4

Sertraline use is associated with mild inhibition of which transporter?

Answer 4

Dopamine

Question 5

How must Sertraline use be discontinued?

Answer 5

Must be gradually decreased on discontinuation

Question 6

High doses of Sertraline (150mg) result in partial inhibition of which enzyme?

Answer 6

CYP2D6

Question 7

What is the drug target for Citalopram

Answer 7

Serotonin transporter

Question 8

Outline the mechanism of action of Citalopram

Answer 8

Inhibition of serotonin reuptake results in an accumulation of serotonin. Serotonin in the central nervous system plays a role in the regulation of mood, personality, and wakefulness.

Question 9

What are the main side effects associated with Citalopram use?

Answer 9

GI effects (nausea and diarrhoea), sexual dysfunction, anxiety and insomnia

Question 10

Citalopram is a mild antagonist of which receptors?

Answer 10

Muscarinic and histamine H1

Question 11

citalopram is metabolised by which enzymes?

Answer 11

CYP2C19

Question 12

What is the drug target of Fluoxetine?

Answer 12

Serotonin transporters

Question 13

Outline the primary mechanism of action of Fluoxetine

Answer 13

Inhibition of serotonin reuptake results in an accumulation of serotonin. Serotonin in the central nervous system plays a role in the regulation of mood, personality, and wakefulness.

Question 14

What are the main side effects associated with the use of Fluoxetine?

Answer 14

GI effects (nausea and diarrhoea), sexual dysfunction, anxiety, insomnia

Question 15

Fluoxetine is a mild antagonist of which receptors?

Answer 15

5HT2A and 5HT2C

Question 16

Fluoxetine causes inhibition of which enzymes?

Answer 16

Complete inhibition of CYP2D6 and significant inhibiton of CYP2C19

Question 17

What is the drug target for Venlafaxine?

Answer 17

Serotonin transporters and Noradrenaline transporters

Question 18

Outline the primary mechanism of action of Venlafaxine

Answer 18

Venlafaxine is a more potent inhibitor of serotonin reuptake than norepinephrine reuptake.
Noradrenaline in the central nervous system is implicated in the regulation of emotions and cognition.

Question 19

What are the main side effects associated with use of Venlafaxine

Answer 19

GI effects, sexual dysfunction, insomnia and hypertension at higher doses

Question 20

What is the drug target of Mirtazapine?

Answer 20

Alpha-2 receptors and 5-HT2 receptors

Question 21

Outline the primary mechanism of action of Mirtazapine

Answer 21

Antagonises central presynaptic alpha-2-adrenergic receptors, which causes an increased release of serotonin and norepinephrine.
Antagonises central 5HT2 receptors, which leaves 5HT1 receptors unopposed causing anti-depressant effects.

Question 22

What are the main side effects associated with Mirtazapine use?

Answer 22

Weight gain and sedation

Question 23

Which behaviour disorder is at risk of being exacerbated with use of Mertazapine?

Answer 23

May exacerbate REM sleep behaviour disorder