Psychopharmacology: Anxiety and Depression

Question 1

Benzodiazepines

Answer 1

-treat anxiety (anxiolytic), most commonly prescribed

-MOA: regulate function of GABA, binds to receptors and produces inhibitory effect, causes large amounts of Dopamine and this can increase physical dependency

-adverse effects: CNS depression- sedation, poor concentration, impaired memory, drowsiness, next-day sedation, paradoxical response

-teach: no alcohol, sedating effects, dependence, risk of addiction, can affect daily activities

Question 2

Buspirone

Answer 2

-to treat chronic anxiety

-MOA: partial serotonin receptor agonist and weak dopamine receptor antagonist, does not affect GABA receptors

-adverse effects: sedation, nausea, headaches, dizziness

Question 3

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI)

Answer 3

-antidepressant

-MOA: inhibits MAO enzyme and causes more time for serotonin and dopamine to function

-adverse effects: weight gain, sexual dysfunction, insomnia, daytime sedation

-teach: no foods with tyramine, together can cause hypertensive crisis
-avoid taking together with TCA and OTC ephedrine

Question 4

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA)

Answer 4

-MOA: blocks reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine

-adverse effects: block cholinergic receptors causing anticholinergic effects, orthostatic hypotension may occur

Question 5

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)

Answer 5

-antidepressant

-MOA: blocks reuptake of serotonin

-adverse effects: nausea, agitation, sexual dysfunction

Question 6

Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI)

Answer 6

-antidepressant

-MOA: blocks reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine

-adverse effects: nausea, agitation, sexual dysfunction