Depression Pharmacology

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the classes, specific drugs, side effects, and alternative treatments for depression as detailed in the lecture notes.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)

A class of antidepressants including Fluoxetine, Citalopram, Es-Citalopram, Fluvoxamine, Paroxetine, Sertraline, and Vortioxetine that inhibit serotonin reuptake with nanomolar range Ki values ($pKi 8-9$).

Sertraline

Considered the best option among SSRIs and is preferred for patients with chronic physical health problems due to a lower risk of drug interactions.

Fluoxetine

The recommended SSRI for young patients ($<16$) and noted for its long half-life, which requires caution when switching to other medications.

Hyponatremia

A side effect that SSRIs can cause specifically in elderly patients.

Selective Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (NRI)

Antidepressants such as Reboxetine, Atomoxetine, and Viloxazine that have psychostimulant effects and are more effective on cognitive symptoms and social functioning.

Atomoxetine

A Selective Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor (NRI) specifically prescribed for ADHD.

Serotonin Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI)

Drugs such as Duloxetine, Venlafaxine, and Minalcipram used for patients who do not respond to SSRIs; they have the advantages of both SSRIs and NRIs.

Bupropion

A dopamine/norepinephrine uptake inhibitor used in the UK to aid smoking cessation rather than for depression.

Amineptine

A discontinued dopamine/norepinephrine uptake inhibitor that was efficient and quick but caused dependence.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI)

Antidepressants that are not first-line due to strong side effects like hepatotoxicity and interactions with tyramine-rich foods like cheese.

Moclobemide

A reversible type A Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) considered a safer option within its class.

Selegiline

An irreversible type B MAOI prescribed for Parkinson's Disease due to neuroprotective effects, having anti-obesity properties and lower food interactions.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA)

A class of drugs including Amitriptyline and Imipramine that are often H1 antagonists (causing sedation) and can be lethal in overdosage.

Imipramine

A TCA used at low doses in children for bed wetting and also used to treat GI disorders and IBS.

Doxepin

A TCA with antihistaminic effects used to treat skin rash, eczema, or hives.

Amitriptyline

A TCA with broad pharmacological effects, noting it has the highest toxicity and greatest efficacy, and is efficient in treating neuropathic pain.

Mirtazapine

A tetracyclic atypical antidepressant that blocks alpha-2 adrenergic presynaptic auto-receptors and may have an earlier onset of action (1-2 weeks).

Agomelatine

A drug that acts as a strong agonist at melatonin receptors and a weak antagonist at 5-HT2c/2b receptors to help sleep patterns.

Tianeptine

An antidepressant characterized as a serotonin uptake enhancer with affinity for mu-receptors.

Serotonin Syndrome

A rare condition occurring within 8 hours of inappropriate dose increases or drug additions, causing tachycardia, fever, tremors, and restlessness.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

A safe, painless outpatient treatment for resistant depression using electromagnetic coils to induce electric currents in the cerebral cortex.

Es-Ketamine

An NMDA NC antagonist administered via nasal spray under supervision for rapid alleviation of treatment-resistant depression symptoms.

Electro-convulsive therapy (ECT)

A last-resort treatment for life-threatening situations, administered twice a week for 3-6 weeks (6-12 sessions total) under short general anesthesia.