Psych medication Flashcards
Name 6 categories of antidepressants
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NASSA)
Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRI)
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA)
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI)
Serotonin 2 antagonist/reuptake inhibitors (SARI)
When should SSRIs be used?
Depression- 1st Line
Bipolar
Anxiety- Panic disorders, social anxiety, PTSD, OCD, chronic pain, eating disorders.
How do SSRIs work?
Selectively inhibits synaptic 5-HT reuptake transporters, thereby increasing synaptic 5-HT concentration
Give some side effects of SSRIs
‘Hangover’- N+V, diarrhoea, headache GI bleeds with NSAID Anxiety Insomnia Sexual dysfunction Hyponatraemia Increased suicide risk Seizures in epileptics Serotonin syndrome
Who should you be cautious giving SSRIs to?
Epileptics- lowers seizure threshold
Congenital long QT syndrome, bradycardia, hypokalaemia, hypomagnesemia, recent acute myocardial infarction, or uncompensated heart failure
Give some example agents of SSRIs
Fluoxetine Sertraline Citalopram Escitalopram Paroxetine
What is paroxetine used as first line for?
Anxiety
What can discontinuation of SSRIs cause?
Shivering, anxiety, dizziness, ‘electric shocks’, headache and nausea
What are NASSAs used for?
Depression- 1st line if have insomnia or poor appetite. 2nd line if SSRI failed. 3rd line in combo with SSRI.
How do NASSAs work?
Increases activity in the NA and 5-HT systems by blocking the negative feedback (presynaptic DA) of NA on presynaptic alpha-2 receptors.
What are some side effects of NASSAs?
Agranulocytosis
Constipation
Dizziness Falls Dry mouth GI upset with alcohol
Sedation
Weight gain
What should NASSAs not be taken with ?
Don’t take with MAOI
Be careful with other sedatives
Give an example of NASSAs
Mirtazapine
What is a potentially useful side effect of mirtazapine?
Sedation
What are SNRIs used for?
Depression- Not 1st line due to SE. Second line if SSRI and NASSA don’t work.
How do SNRIs work?
Potently block 5-HT and NA reuptake but do not block cholinergic receptors
What are some side effects of SNRIs?
Arrhythmias GI bleeds with NSAID Hypertension Insomnia Sexual dysfunction Hyponatraemia Increased suicide risk Cardiac arrhythmias Seizures in epileptics Serotonin syndrome
Who should SNRIs NOT be given to?
Do NOT give to those with hypertension or arrhythmias
Who should venlafaxine not be given to?
Do NOT give to those with hypertension or arrhythmias
Give an example SNRI agent
Venlafaxine
What drug does venlafaxine work well with?
Mirtazapine
What are TCAs used for?
Depression- Not 1st line due to SE and lethal in OD. Use if intolerant or unresponsive to SSRI. Rapid anxiolytic effects
How do TCAs work?
Inhibit presynaptic NA and 5-HT transporters therefore increase concentrations.
Anti-muscarinic.
What are some side effects of TCAs?
Sedation Confusion Dizziness Sexual dysfunction Constipation Tremour Blurred vision Postural hypotension Weight gain Arrhythmias (Long QT)
Who should TCAs not be given to?
Cardiac problems Elderly Suicidal intent (cardiotoxic in OD) Epilepsy (lower seizure threshold) Bipolar- can cause mania
Give some example TCA agents
Amtitriptyline Clomipramine Imipramine Lofepramine Dosulepin
What does cloipramine act on?
5-HT
What are MOAI used for?
Depression- Effective but only use in treatment resistant due to side effects.
Don’t use in bipolar due to ability to cause mania.
How do MOAI work?
MAO breaks down: NA and 5-HT (MAO1) and DA (MAO2). Inhibitors prevent this therefore increased levels.
Give some side effects of MOAI
Postural hypertension Drowsiness Insomnia Nausea Tiredness Constipation
What should MOAI not be taken with?
Causes dangerous hypertension when combined with tyramine
What foods contain tyramine?
Cheese, alcohol, red meat, caffeine
What can taking MOAI with tyramine cause?
Hypertensive crisis
What are some symptoms of a hypertensive crisis?
Headache, SOB, epistaxis, anxiety
Give some example agents of MOAI
Phenelzine
Tramylcypromine
Isocarboxazid
Moclobemide
When are SARI used?
Depression- When sedation is needed or as an add on to others
How do SARI work?
Block serotonin R and transporter
What are some side effects of SARI?
GI upset Dizziness Sedation Tiredness Headache Hypotension Oedema Priapism- Painful erection
Give an example SARI agent
Trazodone
Name three mood stabalisers
Lithium carbonate
Sodium valproate
Lamotrigine
What is Li2CO3 used for?
Bipolar- Relapse prevention. Good for both mania and depression.
Depression- Add to antidepressants in treatment resistant depression.
How does Li2CO3 work?
Decreases NA release and increases serotonin release
What are some side effects of Li2CO3
N+D Dry mouth Feeling of weakness Sedation Weight gain Fine tremor Polydipsia + polyuria Ankle swelling Renal impairment Arrhythmias Hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism
What is an issue for Li2CO3?
Therapeutic dose close to toxic dose. Causes Li toxicity