Psychopharmacologic Therapy Flashcards
What is monoamine oxidase? What are its two
subtypes?
Monoamine oxidase is an enzyme that is primarily found on the
outer membranes of mitochondria. Through oxidative
deamination, it serves to inactivate serotonin, dopamine,
epinephrine, and norepinephrine. The subtypes are MAO-A
and MAO-B. MAO-A selectively deaminates epinephrine,
norepinephrine, and serotonin, whereas MAO-B deaminates
phenylethylamine.
Stoelting RK, Hillier SC. Pharmacology and Physiology in
Anesthetic Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and
Wilkins; 2006: 405
What drugs interact adversely with MAOIs? What is
the result of these interactions?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), opioids, tricyclic
antidepressants, and sympathomimetic drugs. Interactions with
these drugs can result in seizures, hypertension, excitation of
the central nervous system, delirium and death.
Stoelting RK, Hillier SC. Pharmacology and Physiology in
Anesthetic Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and
Wilkins; 2006: 407.
What dietary restrictions are imposed on patients
taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)?
What foods fall into this category?
Patients taking MAO inbitors must adhere to a tyramine-free
diet. This includes liver, cheese, avocados, fava beans, red
wine, tap beer, dried sausages, and smoked or pickled fish.
Stoelting RK, Hillier SC. Pharmacology and Physiology in
Anesthetic Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and
Wilkins; 2006: 405.
Katzung BG, Masters, SB, & Trevor AJ. Basic and Clinical
Pharmacology. 12th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2012: 537.
List side effects associated with the use of lithium.
Renal impairment (evidenced by polyuria and polydipsia),
hypothyroidism, ECG changes (flattened T waves or inverted T
waves), hand tremors, dermatologic disturbances, memory loss,
slowed cognitive function, edema
Katzung BG, Masters, SB, & Trevor AJ. Basic and Clinical
Pharmacology. 12th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2012: 516-517.
What drugs can cause an increase in the plasma
concentration of lithium?
Thiazide diuretics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Katzung BG, Masters, SB, & Trevor AJ. Basic and Clinical
Pharmacology. 12th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2012: 516.
What is the drug class of choice for the treatment of mild to moderate depression?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Stoelting RK, Hillier SC. Pharmacology and Physiology in
Anesthetic Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and
Wilkins; 2006: 399.
How does dehydration affect patients taking lithium?
Dehydration causes an increase in the plasma concentration of
lithium by as much as 50% due to an increase in the
reabsorption of lithium by the proximal renal tubules.
Stoelting RK, Hillier SC. Pharmacology and Physiology in
Anesthetic Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and
Wilkins; 2006: 409
How is lithium excreted?
Lithium is excreted by the kidneys.
Stoelting RK, Hillier SC. Pharmacology and Physiology in
Anesthetic Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and
Wilkins; 2006: 408.
If a patient who is taking an SSRI fails to tolerate or
respond to the drug, why should another SSRI be
tried before moving to a different class of drugs?
Each SSRI has different side-effect profiles, therefore patients
who do not respond favorably to one SSRI may have a different
outcome if placed on a different SSRI.
Stoelting RK, Hillier SC. Pharmacology and Physiology in
Anesthetic Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and
Wilkins; 2006: 399.
What are the signs and symptoms of an MAOI
overdose?
Tachycardia, mydriasis, hyperthermia, coma, and seizures.
Stoelting RK, Hillier SC. Pharmacology and Physiology in
Anesthetic Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and
Wilkins; 2006: 407.
What advantages do SSRIs possess over tricyclic
antidepressants?
SSRIs do not produce postural hypotension, they do not have
anticholinergic properties, and there is a wider safety margin
when taken in excess.
Stoelting RK, Hillier SC. Pharmacology and Physiology in
Anesthetic Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and
Wilkins; 2006: 399.
What happens when a patient taking MAOIs for
depression ingests food containing tyramine?
A hyperadrenergic crisis can occur. Patients taking MAOIs
cannot metabolize dietary tyramine and other monoamines.
They enter the systemic circulation, are taken up by nerve
endings of the sympathetic nervous system, and cause a
massive release of endogenous catecholamines. The resulting
hyperadrenergic crisis is characterized by hyperpyrexia, high
blood pressure, and cerebrovascular accident.
Stoelting RK, Hillier SC. Pharmacology and Physiology in
Anesthetic Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and
Wilkins; 2006: 407.
What MAOI is used in the treatment of Parkinson’s
disease?
Selegiline
Stoelting RK, Hillier SC. Pharmacology and Physiology in
Anesthetic Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and
Wilkins; 2006: 406.
What is the most common adverse side effect of
MAOIs?
Orthostatic hypotension
Stoelting RK, Hillier SC. Pharmacology and Physiology in
Anesthetic Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and
Wilkins; 2006: 406.
What are the names of the three MAOIs used in the
United States?
Selegiline, tranylcypromine, phenelzine
Stoelting RK, Hillier SC. Pharmacology and Physiology in
Anesthetic Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and
Wilkins; 2006: 405.