Antidepressants Flashcards
What are the four main classes of Antidepressants?
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs),
Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs),
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs),
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
How do SSRIs work?
They block serotonin transporters in presynaptic neurons to prevent reuptake and increase the amount of serotonin in the synaptic cleft
What are some common SSRIs?
Fluoxetine
Paroxetine
Sertraline
Citalopram
Escitalopram
How do SNRIs work?
They block serotonin and norepinephrine transporters in presynaptic neurons to prevent reuptake and increase the amount of those neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft
What are some common SNRIs?
Venlafaxine
Duloxetine
Desvenlafaxine
What are some side effects of SSRIs and SNRIs?
Nausea
Diarrhoea
Anxiety and restlessness
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Sleep disturbance
Cardiovascular disturbances
Sexual dysfunction
How do TCAs work?
They block serotonin and noradrenaline transporters and acetylcholine and histamine receptors
What are some common TCAs?
Amitryptaline
Clomipramine
Nortriptyline
What are some side effects of TCAs?
Cardiac disturbances
* QTC Prolongation
* Arrythmias
* Sinus tachycardia
Anticholinergic effects
* Orthostatic hypotension
* Dry mouth
* Constipation
* Blurred vision
* Urinary Retention
CNS Disturbance
* Confusion
* Drowsiness
* Nightmares
Lowered seizure threshold
How do MAOIs work?
Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) Breaks down monoamines like dopamine and seratonin, decreasing the amount of neurotransmitter present. MAOIs prevent this breakdown
What are some considerations for patients taking a MAOI?
Monoamine oxidase breaks down tyramine from food, and excess tyramine caused by MAO inhibition can cause severe blood pressure elevation
Tyramine rich foods should be avoided (Pickled, fermented, smoked, or aged foods).
Avoid sympathomimetic medications
* Common cold and flu meds
* Decongestants
* Hay fever and allergy medicines
* Weight reduction or appetite suppressants
