1.1.2 DT Anti-depressant Drugs (Bi) Flashcards
What are the symptoms of depression?
- emotional- intense feelings of sadness
- motivational- difficulty initiating actions
- somatic- disturbance of appetite and sleep
What is depression caused by?
A shortage of monoamines (neurotransmitters including dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline)
What are SSRIs?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
How do SSRIs work?
They increase levels of serotonin by blocking its reuptake
What is serotonin thought to have?
A positive influence on mood, emotion and sleep
What effect do SSRIs have on depressives?
They have a positive effect, improving symptoms and making people more responsive
What are the problems/side effects of SSRIs?
- can react unpredictably with other medication
- shaky/anxiousness
- vomiting
- dizziness
- blurred vision
What are MAOIs?
Monoamines oxidase inhibitors
Why are MAOIs rarely used now?
Due to their wide range of side effects
When are MAOIs used?
When other medication is not effective and under supervision
What is the problem with MAOIs?
You have to avoid certain foods (cheese) containing tyramine as when MAOIs react with it, it can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure
What are TCAs?
Tricyclic anti depressants
Why are TCAs not recommended?
They have unpleasant side effects and can be dangerous if an overdose is taken
When are TCAs used?
In severe cases where no other medication is successful
Who do anti depressants work best on?
Those severely depressed, research showed there was little benefit of taking SSRIs if you were mildly depressed
