Antidepressant Medications
Antidepressants are primary agents for mood disorders, anxiety, and neuropathic pain. They are classified by their mechanisms of action and pharmacological profiles.
| Class | Mechanism | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| SSRIs | Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors | Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Escitalopram |
| SNRIs | Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors | Venlafaxine, Duloxetine |
| TCAs | Tricyclic Antidepressants (NE/5-HT reuptake) | Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline |
| Atypical | Diverse (e.g., NDRI, NaSSA) | Bupropion, Mirtazapine |
High-Yield Clinical Notes:
- SSRIs: First-line for most depression/anxiety. Watch for GI side effects and sexual dysfunction.
- Serotonin Syndrome: A potentially fatal condition caused by serotonin excess (e.g., combining SSRIs with MAOIs or tramadol). Signs: hyperthermia, clonus, agitation, autonomic instability.
- TCAs: Highly effective but carry a risk of cardiotoxicity (arrhythmia) in overdose. Use with caution in elderly patients due to anticholinergic effects.
- Bupropion: Unique for smoking cessation and depression with less sexual side effect profile; however, it lowers the seizure threshold.