antidepressants and antimaniacs

Answer 1

Question: Can you tell me about Phenelzine and Moclobemide?
Answer:

Class: MAO Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Mechanism:

Inhibit monoamine oxidase → prevents breakdown of norepinephrine (NE), serotonin (5HT), and dopamine → increases their availability in the brain, improving mood and behavior

Use:

Primarily for depressive illness

There is little difference in efficacy between MAOIs, TCAs, and SSRIs, but should be chosen based on patient needs

Side Effects:

Common: Anxiety, arrhythmia, dizziness

Serious: Monitor blood pressure (BP) due to risk of hypertensive crisis

Important Note:

Use with caution, especially regarding dietary restrictions to avoid tyramine-induced hypertensive crisis

Answer 2

Question: Can you tell me about Amitriptyline, Imipramine, and Mirtazapine?
Answer:

Class: Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

Mechanism:

Block the reuptake of norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin in presynaptic terminals → increases their availability in the synaptic region

Use:

Used for depressive illness, but have more side effects compared to MAOIs and SSRIs

Side Effects:

Common: Anxiety, decreased appetite, arrhythmias, drowsiness

Important: ECG monitoring recommended in elderly patients or those on high doses

Important Note:

SSRIs are better tolerated and less sedating than TCAs

Answer 3

uestion: Can you tell me about Fluoxetine, Sertraline, and Citalopram?
Answer:

Class: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Mechanism:

Inhibit serotonin transporter (SERT) → increases serotonin levels in the synaptic cleft

Use:

Depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders

Side Effects:

Common: Anxiety, diarrhea, seizures, hallucinations

Serious: May increase risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs

Important Note:

Better tolerated than MAOIs and TCAs, with fewer muscarinic and cardiotoxic effects

Answer 4

Question: Can you tell me about Venlafaxine and Duloxetine?
Answer:

Class: Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

Mechanism:

Inhibit the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine → enhances neurotransmission, improving mood and response rates

Use:

Major depression, anxiety, panic disorder

Side Effects:

Common: Anxiety, appetite changes, arrhythmias, confusion, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea

Important Note:

Monitor blood pressure as high doses may increase BP

Answer 5

Question: Can you tell me about Lithium?
Answer:

Class: Antimanic Agent

Mechanism:

Exact mechanism unknown, but it may alter sodium transport and modify neuronal communication

Use:

Treatment and prophylaxis of mania, bipolar disorder, recurrent depression, and self-harm

Side Effects:

Common: Memory loss, diarrhea, speech impairment

Serious: Narrow therapeutic window → need to monitor kidney function

Important Note:

Monitor levels carefully to avoid toxicity and kidney issues