Pharmacotherapy

Question 1

How do SSRIs work?

Answer 1

They block the reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic neurones, thereby increasing the amount of serotonin in the synaptic cleft

Question 2

List some of the side effects of SSRIs

Answer 2

Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pains
Insomnia
Sexual dysfunction

Question 3

Give some examples of TCAs

Answer 3

Amitriptyline
Hydrochloride
Cloxepin
Trimipramine

Question 4

How do TCAs work?

Answer 4

By blocking the reuptake of noradrenaline and serotonin into the presynaptic neurones

Question 5

List some side effects of TCAs

Answer 5

Arrhythmias
Dry mouth
Constipation

Question 6

How do MAOIs work?

Answer 6

By irreversibly inhibiting the action of monoamine oxidase enzyme. This enzyme is used to break down noradrenaline and serotonin. By preventing it working, the level of these two neurotransmitters are increased in the brain

Question 7

Give some examples of MAOIs and list some side effects

Answer 7

Phenelzine
Trancypromine
Nausea, constipation, hypertension

Question 8

Give some examples of SNRIs and explain how they work

Answer 8

Venlafaxine
Duloxetine
Inhibiting the reuptake of noradrenaline and serotonin

Question 9

Give an example of a NaSSA and explain how it works

Answer 9

Mirtazepin
A presynaptic a2 receptor antagonist - increases noradrenaline neurotransmission
Blocks a2 presynaptic receptor on serotonin neurones thereby increasing serotonin neurotransmission

Question 10

List some general side effects of antidepressant medication

Answer 10

Anticholinergic 
Sedation
Hypotension
Nausea
Sexual dysfunction
Weight gain
Cardiac abnormalities

Question 11

How long should you wait before com different dose change of an antidepressant?

Answer 11

6 weeks

Question 12

Give some examples of SSRIs

Answer 12

Citalopram
Fluoxetine
Escitalopram
Sertraline