Selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) |
- Block the re-uptake of serotonin specifically in the brain rather than in other areas of the body -> increases the activity of serotonin in the brain
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- Used as first-line antidepressant
- High efficacy
- Low side effect profile
- Tolerated better by patients compared to other anti-depressants
- Can also be used to treat anxiety
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- Nausea, vomiting, agitation
- Weight changes
- Sexual dysfunction
- For adolescents – anxiety and suicidal tendencies can occur when taking the drug for the first time
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Serotonin/ noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) |
- Block the re-uptake of serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain -> increases the activity of noradrenaline and serotonin in the brain
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- Most effective antidepressant for treating major depressive disorder
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- Nausea, dizziness, sweatiness
- Headaches
- Sexual dysfunction
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Atypical antidepressants |
- Variable mechanism of action depending on the exact drug -> all drugs increase the activity of either serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine or melatonin in the brain
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- Useful for patients who cannot tolerate the side effects of SSRIs or SNRIs, such as weight loss or disruption to sleep cycle
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- Nausea, dizziness, insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Weight gain
- Seizures
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Tricyclic antidepressants |
- Block the uptake of noradrenaline and serotonin in the brain -> increases the amount of noradrenaline and serotonin circulating in the brain
- Additionally block histamine and cholinergic receptors in the brain -> very non-selective which can lead to adverse effects
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- Useful for patients who suffer from other psychiatric conditions such as panic attacks, anxiety, PTSD and bulimia nervosa
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- Hyperthermia
- Muscle rigidity
- Cardiovascular collapse
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Monoamine-A oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) |
- Block the action of the enzyme that breaks down serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine -> ultimately increases the level of these neurotransmitters in the brain
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- Useful for patients who cannot tolerate the side effects of other antidepressant medications
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- Many drug-drug interactions and drug-food interactions
- Hyperthermia
- Muscle rigidity
- Cardiovascular collapse
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