Unit 5 Exam Flashcards
(104 cards)
Treatment of MDD in Children
Fluoxetine (Prozac) - >8 years
Escitalopram (Lexapro) - > 12 years
Adjunctive Therapy for MDD
St John’s Wort
SAMe
Omega-3 (efficacy not confirmed)
Folate
St. John’s Wort Risks/Interactions
Increased risk for serotonin syndrome if used with other antidepressants.
Activates CYP450 and has the potential to interact with other meds metabolized by CYP 450 system → Decreases levels of warfarin, theophylline, oral contraceptives, indinavir
SAMe (S-Adenosyl Methionine) MOA
Some data suggest effectiveness
Helps produce and regulate hormones and maintain cell membranes.
Folate Indications
Recommended if the patient has partial response to antidepressants.
Can be taken along with antidepressants.
Benzodiazepine MOA
Binds to GABA-A receptors (inhibitory receptor) in the brain causing them to increase the opening of chloride channels along the cell membrane, leading to an inhibitory effect on cell firing.
Benzo Discontinuation
Taper should take 3-6 months (depending on dose)
Abrupt DC is life-threatening.
Short Acting Benzos
Alprazolam (Xanax) - 6-20 hrs
Oxazepam (Serax) - 8-12 hrs
Intermediate Acting Benzos
Lorazepam (Ativan) - 10-20 hrs
Long Acting Benzos
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) - 30-100 hrs
*Diazepam (Valium) - 30-100 hrs
*Longest half-life
SSRI Onset of Action
Effects of these drugs become apparent within 4-6 weeks of treatment.
Length of therapy for first episodes of depression is 4-6 months AFTER recovery.
Continued treatment beyond the point of recovery drastically reduces the relapse potential over 1-3 years.
*Monitor for serotonin syndrome-med interactions
Examples of SSRIs
Citalopram (Celexa)
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Common Tricyclic antidepressant side effects
Most common → sedation, orthostatic hypotension, and anticholinergic effects (urinary retention, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation).
Known to cause sexual dysfunction.
The most dangerous adverse effect → cardiac toxicity (AV block, QT prolongation, and ventricular tachycardia).
Other adverse effects: diaphoresis, seizures, hypomania, and yawngasm.
Can exacerbate dementia in older adults.
Best treatment of anxiety/agitation in dementia
Benzodiazepines
Used for periodic anxiety and agitation in older adults with dementia.
SNRI MOA
Potent inhibition of neuronal uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine and the weak inhibition of dopamine reuptake.
SSRIs are considered more safe than SNRIs d/t more SE.
SNRI Examples
Desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq) - Treats depression and GAD.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta, Drizalma, Irenka) - Treats anxious and somatic S/S.
Levomilnacipran (Fetzima)
Milnacipran (Savella)
Venlafaxine (Effexor)
Side Effects of Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
Increases sexual desire and pleasure.
Acts as a stimulant, suppresses appetite.
Lowering the seizure threshold especially when combined with alcohol.
Bupropion (Wellbutrin) Interactions
Sertraline, fluoxetine, and paroxetine (because they are all CYP450 inhibitors) - can increase bupropion levels.
Can be given together but must be monitored.
MAOIs can increase the risk of bupropion toxicity.
Mirtazapine (Remeron) Uses
Atypical antidepressant
Patients with insomnia, agitation, restlessness, or anorexia and weight loss.
Sedating effects of mirtazapine tend to diminish with acclimation and also ten to be less pronounces with higher doses.
Mirtazapine (Remeron) Side Effects
Sedation (at initiation and low doses)
Appetite increases
Weight gain
Dry mouth
Constipation
Avoid in obese patients because of increased appetite/weight gain.
Discontinuation Syndrome
A non-life threatening syndrome of flu-like symptoms that may occur after abrupt cessation of an SSRI.
Can be minimized by gradually tapering the dose.
Onset depends on half-life of the drug and how long it takes to get out of the body and body to realize its missing.
Effexor and Paxil - most commonly associated.
Treatment of Insomnia
1st line - Hypnotics
2nd line - Sedating Antidepressants
3rd line - Orexin receptor agonists.
*First gen antihistamines can be used.
1st Line Treatment of Insomnia - Hypnotics
Benzos
Benzo receptor agonists
Melatonin receptor agonists
2nd Line Treatment of Insomnia - Sedating Antidepressants
TCAs - Sinequan (Doxepin)
Trazadone