Antidepressants Overview

Front

What neurotransmitters are dysregulated in mood disorders?

Back

Serotonin, norepinephrine, and other neurotransmitters are dysregulated in mood disorders.

Front

How do antidepressants generally work?

Back

They block neurotransmitter reuptake, inhibit metabolism, or affect postsynaptic receptors—restoring neurotransmitter balance.

Front

What is the time frame for antidepressants to improve mood?

Back

Although synaptic actions are immediate, mood improvement takes several weeks.

Front

What are the main clinical indications for antidepressants?

Back

Depression (acute, bipolar, atypical), dysthymia, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, GAD, chronic pain, migraines, neuropathies, sleep apnea, dermatologic and eating disorders.

Front

What are the four major classes of antidepressants?

Back

SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, and MAOIs.

Front

What is the mechanism of SSRIs?

Back

SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake at the presynaptic membrane, increasing serotonin in the synapse.

Front

What are common side effects of SSRIs?

Back

Fatigue, headache, anxiety, agitation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sexual dysfunction, weight changes, insomnia. Also interacts with grapefruit juice.

Front

What is the mechanism of SNRIs?

Back

SNRIs block reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine.

Front

What are common SNRI side effects?

Back

Nausea, increased sweating, insomnia, tremors, sexual dysfunction.

Front

What is the mechanism of TCAs?

Back

TCAs inhibit reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin and have anticholinergic, alpha-adrenergic, histaminic, and muscarinic receptor-blocking effects.