PSYCH: DEPRESSION MEDS Flashcards
What medication is the gold standard for depression?
SSRI
Makes more serotonin available at the synapse
Side Effects of SSRI’s
GI upset
Fatigue
Dry Mouth
Decreased libido
What happens if an SSRI is abruptly discontinued?
Can develop SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome
Pt will feel like they have the flu
Celexa (citalopram) Lexapro (escitalopram) Prozac (fluoxetine) Luvox (fluvoxamine) Paxil (paroxetine) Zoloft (sertraline)
SSRI’s
What is the feel good neurotransmitter?
Serotonin
Serotonin Syndrome
Accumulation of Serotonin
Usually caused by a combination of substances
Everything is elevated, may be fatal
What combination can cause Serotonin Syndrome?
SSRI + MAOI
SSRI + ecstasy
St. John’s Wart
Patients need weeks between SSRI’s and MAOI’s or St.John’s Wart
What are the initial symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome? What might it progress to?
Initial symptoms: MS changes (restless/agitated), lethargy, flushing, confusion, tremors, diaphoresis, and ataxia
May progress to: hyperthermia, renal failure, hypertonicity, seizure, may be FATAL
SNRI
dual action on serotonin and norepinephrine
Possible side effects of SNRI’s
Cardiovascular risk
NV
Weight gain
Somatic symptoms (body ache)
Effexor XR (venlafaxine)
Cymbalta (fluoxetine)
Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)
SNRI’s
Side effects of Cymbalta?
Constipation
Headache
Nausea
What SNRI is good for body aches?
Cymbalta
Which SNRI has less sexual dysfunction?
Pristiq
single dose
NDRIs
Norepi and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors