Mental Health Theory Pharm Flashcards

What are the indications, mechanism of action, and key considerations for SSRI medications?

Medication Names: Sertraline, fluoxetine, citalopram, paroxetine.

Mechanism of Action: Decreases the reuptake of serotonin, allowing it to stay in the synapse for longer and improve mood.

Side Effects: GI symptoms (N/V/D), weight change, insomnia/anxiety (CNS), sleep disturbances, sex dysfunction.

Key Considerations: Do not suddenly stop to prevent withdrawal symptoms (flu-like symptoms).

What are the indications, mechanism of action, and key considerations for SNRI medications?

Medication Names: Venlafaxine

Mechanism of Action: Decreases the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, allowing it to stay in the synapse for longer and improve mood.

Side Effects: GI symptoms (N/V/D), weight change, insomnia/anxiety (CNS), sleep disturbances, sex dysfunction.

Key Considerations: Do not suddenly stop to prevent withdrawal symptoms (flu-like symptoms).

What is the difference between serotonin syndrome and neuroleptic malignancy syndrome?

Serotonin Syndrome: Movement based. Occurs when multiple medications increasing serotonin levels cause life-threatening symptoms. This reaction can happen in as little as 2 hours after dosage. This causes mental status changes (anxiety, confusion), abnormal muscle movements (clonus, hyperreflexia), and autonomic problems (increased vitals, diaphoresis).

What are the indications, mechanism of action, and key considerations for atypical antidepressants?

Medication Names: Bupropion, Mirtazapine

Mechanism of Action: Bupropion blocks reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine for MDD, ADHD, smoking cessation, and obesity. Mirtazapine is a serotonergic agent and a serotonin and norepinephrine antagonist used for insomnia and weight loss.

Side Effects: Bupropion ay cause weight loss, seizures in high dosages.

Key Considerations: Bupropion contraindicated in patients with seizure and eating disorders.

What are the indications, mechanism of action, and key considerations for tricyclic antidepressants?

Medication Names: Amitriptyline (-triptyline).

Mechanism of Action: Blocks serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake, along with adrenergic, cholinergic, and histamine receptors.

Side Effects: Cholinergic symptoms (retention, dry mouth, blurred vision, memory problems, tachycardia), histamine symptoms (sedation, weight gain), and adrenergic symptoms (OHTN).

Key Considerations: Requires regular serum monitoring from toxicity risk, may contribute to cardiotoxicity in overdose. Contraindicated with post MI patients. Avoid sudden withdrawal.

What are the indications, mechanism of action, and key considerations for monoamine oxidase inhibitors?

Medication Names: Phenelzine.

Mechanism of Action: MAO inactivates neurotransmitters in the liver, so this inhibits them, allowing neurotransmitters to stay activated for longer and increase norepinephrine and serotonin levels.

Side Effects:

Key Considerations: Do not consume with tyramine-foods to prevent hypertensive crisis.