Psychopharmacology Flashcards
What are the indications for antidepressants?
- Unipolar and bipolar depression
- Organic mood disorders
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Anxiety disorders (OCD, Panic, Social phobia, PTSD)
- Personality disorders (Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, Impulsivity)
What can worsen bipolar disorder when treated with antidepressants?
Antidepressants
Name three examples of Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
- Amitriptyline
- Clomipramine
- Imipramine
What are Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)?
A class of antidepressants that can cause a hypertensive crisis when taken with tyramine-rich foods.
What is the ‘cheese reaction’ associated with MAOIs?
Development of hypertensive crisis when taking MAOIs with tyramine-rich foods such as cheese, red wine, and processed food.
List three examples of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Fluoxetine
- Sertraline
What are Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)?
A class of antidepressants that includes Venlafaxine, Duloxetine, and Vortioxetine.
What should be avoided in hypertension when prescribing SNRIs?
Venlafaxine
What is a key feature of Mirtazapine?
It is a novel tetracyclic antidepressant.
What are the indications for mood stabilizers?
- Bipolar disorder
- Cyclothymia
- Schizoaffective
What is the only medication that reduces the suicide rate?
Lithium
What investigations are needed before starting Lithium?
- U&E
- TSH
- Pregnancy test
- Serum creatinine
What fetal condition is associated with Lithium usage?
Ebstein’s Anomaly
List common side effects of Lithium
- Tremor
- GI disturbance
- Thyroid abnormalities (Hypothyroidism)
- Renal problems (polyuria, polydipsia)
What are the effects of Lithium toxicity?
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Coarse tremor
- Muscle weakness
- Lack of coordination
- Slurred speech
- Blurred vision
- Lethargy
- Confusion
- Seizures
