7. SSRIs
Block transport mechanism that returns
unbound serotonin left in synaptic cleft
into the presynaptic neuron
Terminates transmission of the
message carried by that receptor
When blocked, more serotonin is
available to the postsynaptic receptor
12. Nonselective norepinephrine-
serotonin reuptake inhibitors
Affect norepinephrine, serotonin
acetylcholine and histamine receptors
Increase availability of norepinephrine,
serotonin
Inhibit transport back into the
presynaptic neuron
13. Side Effects: Antidepressants
Anticholinergic effects: Common and troublesome
in tricyclics: interfere with patient compliance.
dry mouth sweating
constipation drowsiness
urinary hesitancy/retention blurred vision
Cardiovascular: Postural hypotension, tachycardia,
heart conduction defects.
14. Antidepressants – Side Effects
Anticholinergic effects:
Closed angle glaucoma worsened
Toxic: confusion, psychosis
Other:
Weight gain, lowered seizure threshold, EPS
Overdose: 1000 – 4000 mg is fatal
15. Side Effects of
Antidepressants(cont’d.)
Managing Side Effects of Tricyclic Antidepressants
(Cont’d.)
If these dangerous side effects occur, advise the patient
either to call provider stop the medication, or reduce the
dosage.
Orthostatic hypotension
Marked, persistent sedation
Atropine-like psychosis
Cardiovascular conduction defect
Seizures
Severe anticholinergic effect: urinary retention, etc.
17. MAO Inhibitors
Actions: Monamine oxidase is an enzyme responsible
for destroying epinephrine, norepinephrine and
serotonin. MAO inhibitors block this enzyme. The
effect is CNS stimulation and increased psychomotor
activity.
symptoms relieved in 2-4 weeks
Potential hypertensive crisis it certain foods or
medicines ingested
18. MAO Inhibitors(cont’d.)
Dietary restrictions necessary: foods high in
tyramine must be avoided: aged cheese, chicken
liver, beer, Chianti wine, cold or sinus medicines, diet
pills, blood pressure regulating meds. Severe
atypical headache is usually the first sign
Side effects: autonomic: orthostatic hypotention,
dizziness, increased appetite anticholinergic effects are
rare.
20. Mood Stabilizers
Lithium
Effective in manic excitement and preventative for
manic and depressive recurrences in bipolar patients.
Also used in other psychiatric disorders that do not
respond to other drug therapies. Can lead to toxic
reactions which may be fatal.
Blood level monitoring is necessary to maintain in
therapeutic range.
Therapeutic levels range from .7 to 1.5. Higher levels
are used to treat manic or psychotic excitement.
22. Lithium
Mechanism of Action Adverse Effects
Unclear
Excessive drug levels
Dosing
Narrow therapeutic Therapeutic drug levels
index Drug Interactions
Monitor blood levels
q 2-3 days initially Diuretics
then
q 1-3 months Anticholinergic drugs
levels must be
below 1.5mEq/L
23. Mood Stabilizers
Lithium(cont’d.)
Side effects:
Neuromuscular and CNS: tremor (fingers) cog wheeling
and mild parkinsonism possible. sluggishness and forgetfulness
treated by decreased dose.
GI: Chronic nausea, diarrhea, take with food.
Weight gain and endocrine effects: Increased appetite and
excessive thirst may cause weight gain - transitory
Decreased thyroid levels: Thyroid medication may be necessary.
Renal: polyuria and polydypsia may occur. Dose of drug
should be lowered.
25. Lithium
Common Causes for Increased Lithium Level:
Decreased sodium intake
Diuretic therapy
Decreased renal functioning
Fluid-electrolyte loss (sweating, diarrhea,
dehydration)
Medical illness
Overdose
26. Mood Stabilizers
Anticonvulsants – used to promote mood stabilization
Carbamazepine (Tegretol): Used in patients who do not
respond to lithium. More effective for rapid-cycling
bipolar patients (4 or more affective episodes per year).
Blood levels should be monitored weekly for the first
eight weeks. Dose should be adjusted to maintain a serum
levels of 6-8 mg/L.
27. Mood Stabilizers(cont’d.)
Side effects: sedation, mal coordination (common)
agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia (rare) regular
blood counts unnecessary . Watch for fever and
sore throat.
Can cause increased liver enzymes but serious
hepatic problems rare.
Associated with birth defects.
28. Mood Stabilizers(cont’d.)
Valproate (Valproic acid) – Depakene, Depakote used in
manic and schizoaffective patients (treatment resistant)
Improvement occurs in 1-2 weeks. Blood levels should be
obtained every few days until 50 mg/l is reached.
Side effects – Major concern – severe hepatotoxicity (may
be fatal).
Liver function tests should be done every month.
Decreased platelet levels can occur.
Associated with neural tube birth defects.
Very toxic when taken in suicide attempt.
29. Lamitrogine- lamictal
Anit-convulsant used for type 2 BPD
Side effect- rash, nausea, vomitting and
diarrhea.