Psych - Antidepressants Flashcards
Give some examples of classes of drugs used to treat depression
Monoamine uptake inhibitors:
- Non-selective = tricyclic antidepressants
- Pure non-selective monoamine uptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Give 2 examples of tricyclic antidepressants (from the PPE drug list)
Lofepramine
Imipramine
Give 3 examples of SSRIs
Sertraline
Fluoxetine
Paroxetine
Give an example of an SNRI
Venlafaxine
What is the first-line drug class to treat moderate to severe depression?
SSRIs
What is the mechanism of action of the SSRIs?
Selectively inhibit neuronal reuptake of serotonin from the synaptic cleft
Give 2 common and 2 rare ADRs of SSRIs
- Common - skin rash, nausea
- Rare - increased suicidal ideation, prolonged QT interval
Give 2 important DDIs associated with SSRIs
- Cannot be given with MOAIs as these also increase serotonin levels
- Cannot be given with other drugs which may prolong the QT interval
What are the tricyclic antidepressants used for?
Second-line treatment of moderate to severe depression
Also neuropathic pain
What is the mechanism of action of the tricyclic antidepressants?
- Inhibit neuronal reuptake of both serotonin and noradrenaline from synaptic cleft
- Also block wide array of receptor types
List 4 ADRs of TCAs
Extensive
- Dry mouth (due to muscarinic blockade)
- Tachycardia
- Convulsions
- Prolonged QT interval
Give some features of TCA toxicity
Severe hypotension
Arrhythmias
Convulsions
Coma
Give a DDI of TCAs
MAOIs
What are the SNRIs used for?
2nd line treatment of severe depression
What is the mechanism of action of SNRIs?
Inhibit neuronal reuptake of serotonin and NA from synaptic cleft
