Overview of Antidepressants

These flashcards cover key concepts related to antidepressants, including their uses, mechanisms, types, side effects, and contraindications.

What are antidepressants used for?

Antidepressants are used to treat depression.

What characterizes major depressive disorder?

Persistent sadness and despair, loss of energy, and difficulty dealing with everyday life lasting more than 2 weeks.

What is the difference between major depressive disorder and situational depression?

Major depressive disorder lasts more than 2 weeks and represents a change from previous functioning.

List some alternative uses for antidepressants.

Neuropathic pain, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, anxiety disorders, phobias, chronic pain, migraines.

What are Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)?

First-generation antidepressants that block reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine.

Name some examples of TCAs.

Amitriptyline, imipramine, clomipramine, nortriptyline.

What are common side effects of TCAs?

Sedation, orthostatic hypotension, anticholinergic effects, seizures.

Why are TCAs not considered first-line therapy?

They can act on other receptors causing various side effects.

What is a significant risk associated with TCAs?

Cardiotoxicity, including arrhythmias and QT prolongation.

What nursing priorities are important for TCA toxicity?

Check airway, administer oxygen, monitor vital signs, obtain EKG, prepare for gastric lavage.

What are Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)?

First-generation antidepressants that prevent the breakdown of monoamine neurotransmitters.

What is a critical side effect of MAOIs?

Hypertensive crisis triggered by tyramine-rich foods.

List some foods to avoid with MAOIs.

Aged cheese, pickled herring, processed meats, avocados, and red wine.

What is the mechanism of action of SSRIs?

SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin, increasing synaptic concentrations.

List some common SSRIs.

Fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, citalopram.

What are potential side effects of SSRIs?

Anxiety, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, headache, nausea.

What are Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)?

Second-generation antidepressants that block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine.

What is a unique side effect of SNRIs compared to SSRIs?

Hypertension and tachycardia.

What are atypical antidepressants?

Second-generation antidepressants that vary in mechanism affecting neurotransmitters.

How does bupropion affect neurotransmitter levels?

It inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine.

What is serotonin syndrome?

A potentially life-threatening condition caused by increased serotonin levels.

What contributes to the risk for suicide during the initial weeks of antidepressant therapy?

The 'activation syndrome' effect where energy may increase before mood improves.