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Questions and Answers
What is the primary mechanism of action of SSRIs?
What is the primary mechanism of action of SSRIs?
Which class of antidepressants includes bupropion?
Which class of antidepressants includes bupropion?
What is the effect of MAOIs on monoamine neurotransmitters?
What is the effect of MAOIs on monoamine neurotransmitters?
Which of the following is a typical tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)?
Which of the following is a typical tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)?
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Which symptom is commonly associated with depression?
Which symptom is commonly associated with depression?
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What is the primary effect of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) on monoamine neurotransmitters?
What is the primary effect of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) on monoamine neurotransmitters?
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Which mechanism of action is characteristic of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?
Which mechanism of action is characteristic of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?
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What neurotransmitters are preferentially deaminated by MAO-A?
What neurotransmitters are preferentially deaminated by MAO-A?
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What is the mechanism by which bupropion affects the serotonergic system?
What is the mechanism by which bupropion affects the serotonergic system?
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What role does levomilnacipran serve in relation to ADHD?
What role does levomilnacipran serve in relation to ADHD?
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Study Notes
Antidepressants
- Antidepressants are a class of drugs used to treat depression and other mental health conditions.
- They work by affecting the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
- Antidepressants are classified based on their pharmacological mechanisms of action.
Antidepressant Classes
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Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants.
- They selectively inhibit the reuptake of serotonin in the synapse, increasing serotonin levels.
- SSRIs have delayed disinhibition, meaning they take time for their effects to become noticeable.
- A common example is fluoxetine.
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Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs), such as bupropion, inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine.
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Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are older antidepressants that block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine.
- They also block certain cholinergic, histaminic, and alpha-adrenergic receptors.
- TCAs can cause significant side effects, such as cardiac arrhythmias, especially at overdose levels.
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Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are the oldest class of antidepressants.
- They work by inhibiting monoamine oxidase (MAO), an enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters.
- MAO inhibitors can lead to hypertensive crisis, which can be a significant risk.
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Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are a class of antidepressants that inhibit the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine, such as venlafaxine.
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Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NRIs), such as reboxetine, specifically inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine.
Neurotransmitter Functions
- Serotonin is associated with mood, sleep, appetite, and anxiety.
- Norepinephrine plays a role in attention, arousal, and mood.
- Dopamine is involved in reward, motivation, and pleasure.
Side Effects
- Common side effects of antidepressants:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Sexual dysfunction
- Weight gain
Important Considerations
- Antidepressants can have significant drug interactions, so it's crucial to discuss potential interactions with a healthcare professional.
- Antidepressants can cause a range of side effects, some of which can be serious.
- It's essential to talk to a healthcare professional about your symptoms and to inform them about any medications or supplements you are taking.
- Treatment with antidepressants should be individualized and monitored closely.
Future Directions
- Levomilnacipran has shown promise in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Description
Explore the different classes of antidepressants, including SSRIs, NDRIs, and TCAs. Learn how these medications affect neurotransmitter levels in the brain and their implications for treating depression and mental health conditions. This quiz covers fundamental knowledge about the pharmacological mechanisms of action in antidepressants.
