Depression

Anti-depresants:

SSRI’s

Serotonin and Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

Cycilic/ Trycylic antidepressants

SSRI’s action: 

• first line of treatment for depression

• Broad spectrum of action, highly efficant, and relatively safe

• Blocks the reuptake of serotonin so that this neurotransmitter is increased in the synapse 

Serotonin and Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors action: 

• Increases the amount of both serotonin and norepinephrine by inhibiting the reuptake of these neurotransmitters in the synapse

• Therapeutic effect is similar to cyclic antidepressants but with less anticholergic side effects 

• Hyponatremia is a side effect of both SSNRI

What is the general rule for all antidepressants

start low and go slow. Antidepressants can take serveral weeks to start showing effects

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

associated with agitation and psychosis in older adults with dementia - rarely used and only when all other therapies fail.

Cyclic/tricyclic

effective in alleviating loss of sleep, libido, and appetite disturbances and loss of interest in acitivities

affects several neurotransmitters

associated with a variety of anticholinergic and other side effects