Psychiatric Drugs Flashcards
What class of drugs are used in ADHD?
Stimulants
How do stimulants work for ADHD?
Increases CNS dopamine and NE activity
This gives the patient a sense of stimulation so that they don’t seek stimulation through excessive actions
Most common stimulant used?
Amphetamine
Issues with stimulants
Abuse potential
What drug can be used in ADHD when there is a risk of abuse?
Atomoxetine
It is not a stimulant
Selective NE reuptake inhibitor
Can’t cause euphoria due to having no effect on dopamine
How do alpha-2 agonists work in ADHD
Increase prefrontal cortex activity
Regulates attention and behaviour
Name alpha-2 agonists
Clonidine
Guanfacine
Explain biogenic amine theory
Depression: decrease of NE and serotonin at the synapse
Mania: excess of NE and serotonin at the synapse
Name the classes of antidepressants
Tricyclic
MAO inhibitors
SSRIs
SNRIs
Name some SNRIs
Venlafaxine
Duloxetine
Name some TCAs
Amitryptiline
Imipramine
Name the monoamines
Serotonin
Dopamine
Norepinephrine
Histamine
How do TCAs work?
Block NE and serotonin reuptake
What other receptors do TCAs affect?
They block 5-HT, alpha-1, H-1 and M receptors
Therefore consider the side effects
Features of overdose of TCAs?
Seizures
Coma
Hyperthermia
Hypotension
QT pronged arrhythmias