34 Questions
What is a common side effect of SNRIs?
Nausea
Which SNRI is primarily used for major depressive disorder?
Desvenlafaxine
What is a serious side effect of SNRIs?
Increased risk of suicidal thoughts
What is a benefit of SNRIs over SSRIs?
Lower likelihood of weight gain
What should patients be advised to do when discontinuing an SNRI?
Taper off the medication gradually
What is the mechanism of action of TCAs?
Inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin
What is a therapeutic use of TCAs?
Managing chronic pain
What is a side effect of TCAs?
Sedation
What should be monitored regularly when administering TCAs?
Blood pressure and heart rate
Why are TCAs potentially dangerous?
They can cause cardiac toxicity, especially in overdose situations
What is the primary benefit of SSRIs in treating depression and related psychiatric disorders?
Fewer side effects compared to older antidepressant classes
What is the main mechanism of action of SSRIs?
Inhibition of serotonin reuptake
What is serotonin syndrome caused by?
Increased serotonergic activity in the central nervous system
Which of the following is a symptom of serotonin syndrome?
Tachycardia
What is the primary treatment for serotonin syndrome?
Discontinuing the offending medications
What is the mechanism of action of SNRIs?
Inhibition of both serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake
What is the primary indication for SSRIs?
Major depression
What is the mechanism of action of SSRIs?
Inhibiting the reuptake pump for serotonin
What is the primary therapeutic effect of SNRIs?
Improvement in mood, anxiety, and overall mental health
What is a risk factor for serotonin syndrome?
Concurrent use of SSRIs with MAOIs
Which of the following is a common side effect of SSRIs?
Nausea
What is a rare but potential risk of SSRIs, especially when combined with other serotonergic agents?
Serotonin syndrome
Why is patient education important in the treatment of depression?
To educate patients about potential side effects and importance of adherence
How do SSRIs compare to TCAs and MAOIs in terms of safety and tolerance?
They are safer and better tolerated
What should clinicians do to prevent serotonin syndrome?
Monitor patients for signs of serotonin syndrome regularly
What should be avoided when using SSRIs concurrently with other medications?
Using MAOIs and other serotonergic agents
Why are death by overdose with SSRIs alone extremely rare?
Due to their wide therapeutic index
What should be monitored during the initial weeks of treatment with SSRIs?
Both therapeutic response and side effects
What is a potential side effect of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) that patients should be educated about?
Orthostatic hypotension
Why is it essential to educate patients about managing dry mouth when taking TCAs?
To manage anticholinergic effects
What is a crucial aspect of patient education regarding TCAs?
Stressing the importance of taking the medication as prescribed
What should patients and caregivers be educated about regarding overdose risk?
The risk of overdose and safe storage of medications
How long may it take for TCAs to show therapeutic effects?
Several weeks
Why is it important to advise patients to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions when taking TCAs?
To prevent orthostatic hypotension
Study Notes
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
- Introduced in 1987 and have become the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants
- Mechanism: Inhibit the reuptake pump for serotonin (5-HT) in the synaptic cleft, leading to increased serotonin levels and enhanced neurotransmission
- Indications: Major Depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social anxiety disorder
- Side Effects: Nausea, agitation/insomnia, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, serotonin syndrome risk, and increased risk of suicidal ideation
- Pregnancy Considerations: Use in late pregnancy can lead to neonatal withdrawal syndrome and persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn
- Comparison with Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) and MAOIs: Safer and better tolerated, equally effective in treating depression but with a more favorable side effect profile
Serotonin Syndrome
- Potentially life-threatening condition caused by increased serotonergic activity in the central nervous system
- Symptoms: Altered Mental Status, Neuromuscular symptoms, Autonomic Nervous System symptoms, headache, and unconsciousness
- Causes and Risk Factors: Concurrent use of medications that increase serotonin levels, such as SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, opioids, MAOIs, and St. John’s Wort
- Management: Discontinuation of offending medications, supportive care, and monitoring for symptoms
- Prevention: Awareness of potential drug interactions, monitoring for signs of serotonin syndrome, and patient education
SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)
- Class of medications used primarily to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and certain types of chronic pain
- Mechanism of Action: Block the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine, increasing their levels in the synaptic cleft
- Therapeutic Effects: Improvement in mood, anxiety, and overall mental health, and reduction in chronic pain symptoms
- Common SNRIs: Venlafaxine, Duloxetine, Desvenlafaxine, and Levomilnacipran
- Side Effects: Nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, insomnia, constipation, sweating, increased blood pressure, and weight changes
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
- Older class of antidepressants used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, chronic pain, and insomnia
- Mechanism of Action: Increase the levels of norepinephrine and serotonin by inhibiting their reuptake, and block several types of receptors
- Common TCAs: Amitriptyline, Imipramine, Nortriptyline, Desipramine, and Clomipramine
- Therapeutic Uses: Depression, chronic pain, anxiety disorders, and insomnia
- Side Effects: Sedation, orthostatic hypotension, anticholinergic effects, cardiac toxicity, and weight gain
Learn about Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, their mechanism of action, and indications for treating Major Depression and other psychiatric disorders.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
