Nursing Faculty Pharmacology II: Antidepressant Drugs

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What is the primary reason scientists believe antidepressant drugs are used to treat depression?

To balance the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain (correct)
To increase the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin
To completely eliminate neurotransmitters from the brain
To decrease the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin

What is the typical effect of tricyclic antidepressants on neurotransmitters?

Increase levels of norepinephrine and serotonin, block acetylcholine (correct)
Block the action of dopamine and norepinephrine
Decrease levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin
Increase levels of acetylcholine and decrease levels of serotonin

What is a common side effect of tricyclic antidepressants?

Insomnia
Weight loss
Anticholinergic and sedative properties (correct)
Anxiety

What is a common side effect of SSRIs?

Insomnia (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main action of antidepressant drugs on neurotransmitters?

Preventing the reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a mood-stabilizing agent?

Lithium carbonate (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of tricyclic antidepressants on the brain?

Restoring the balance of neurotransmitters (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common adverse effect of tricyclic antidepressants?

Cardiac dysrhythmias (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) over tricyclic antidepressants?

They produce fewer serious adverse effects (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common adverse effect of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)?

Gastrointestinal symptoms (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why are Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) infrequently used?

They may interact with some foods and drugs to produce severe hypertension (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of food should be avoided when taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)?

Foods containing tyramine (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is lithium carbonate primarily used to treat?

Manic episodes (D) Signup and view all the answers

What studies should be obtained before starting lithium therapy?

Renal, cardiac, and thyroid status studies (A) Signup and view all the answers

What should the patient be cautioned about regarding CNS depressants?

To avoid them altogether (A) Signup and view all the answers

What should the patient do if they experience dry mouth?

Use sugarless candy or gum and practice good oral hygiene (C) Signup and view all the answers

What should the patient do to minimize orthostatic hypotension?

Make position changes slowly (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why should patients receiving MAO inhibitors avoid certain foods and beverages?

Because they can interact with the medication (D) Signup and view all the answers

What should the patient do if they experience urinary retention or constipation?

Notify their health care professional (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why should patients inform their health team of their medication regimen?

So they can advise on potential interactions (D) Signup and view all the answers