Antidepressants - SSRIs Flashcards Preview

Pharmacology - Nervous system > Antidepressants - SSRIs > Flashcards

Flashcards in Antidepressants - SSRIs Deck (13)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

What are common indications for the use of SSRI’s?

A
  • Moderate to-severe depression
  • Mild depression - if psych treatment fails
  • Panic disorder
  • OCD
2
Q

What is the mechanism of action of SSRI’s?

A

Inhibit neuronal reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) from the synaptic cleft, thereby increasing its availibility for neurotransmission. They do not inhibit norad uptake, unlike TCAs

3
Q

What are common adverse effects of SSRI’s?

A
  • GI upset
  • Appetite and weight disturbance
  • Hypersensitivity
  • Suicidal thoughts/behaviour
  • Hyponatraemia
  • Lower seizure threshold
  • Prolong QT
  • Bleeding
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Withdrawal syndrome
4
Q

What is serotonin syndrome?

A

Triad of autonomic hyperactivity, altered mental state and neuromuscular excitation

5
Q

What are cognitive symptoms of serotonin syndrome?

A
  • Headache
  • Agitation
  • Hypomania
  • Mental confusion
  • Hallucinations
  • Coma
6
Q

What are autonomic sympotms of serotonin syndrome?

A
  • Shivering
  • Sweating
  • Hyperthermia
  • Vasoconstriction
  • Tachycardia
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhoea
7
Q

What are somatic features of serotonin syndrome?

A
  • Myoclonus (muscle twitching)
  • Hyperreflexia (manifested by clonus)
  • Tremor.
8
Q

What group of patients are particularly suceptible to developing hypnatraemia when on SSRI’s?

A

Elderly

9
Q

What can sudden withdrawal of SSRIs cause?

A
  • GI uupset
  • Neurological disturbance
  • Influenza like symtpoms
  • Sleep disturbance
10
Q

What are young people at increased risk of when using SSRIs?

A

Increased risk of self-harm and suicidal thoughts

11
Q

What conditions should you be careful prescribing SSRI’s in?

A
  • Epilepsy
  • Peptic ulcer disese
  • Hepatic impairment
12
Q

What drugs should SSRI’s not be given with?

A
  • MAOIs - may precipitate serotonin syndrome
  • Drugs which prolong QT - antipsychotics
13
Q

What else should be prescribed if giving someone SSRI’s with NSAIDs or aspirin?

A

Gastroprotection