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Antidepressant
Antidepressant
Citalopram CELEXA
The symptoms of depression are feelings of sadness and hopeless- EscitalopramLEXAPRO
ness. as well as the inability to experience pleasure in usual activities, Fluoxetine PROZAC
changes in sleep patterns and appetite, loss of energy. and suicidal Fluvoxamine LUVOX CR
thoughts, Mania is characterized by the opposite behavior: enthusiasm, ParoxetinePAXIL
SEROTONIN/NOREPINEPHRINE
anger, rapid thought and speech patterns, extreme self-confidence, and Sertraline INHIBITORS
REUPTAKE ZOLOFT (SNRls)
impaired judgment. This chapter provides an overview of drugs used for
VenlafaxineEFFEXOR
Most clinically useful antidepressant drugs (Figure 10.1) potentiate, ATYPICAL ANTIDEPRESSANTS
either directly or indirectly, the actions of norepinephrine and/or Bupropion WELLBUTRIN, ZYBAN
serotonin (5-HT) in the brain. This, along with other evidence, led to the Mirtazapine
REMERON
biogenic amine theory, which proposes that depression is due to a
Nefazodone
deficiency of monoamines. such as norepinephrine and serotonin, at rrazodoneDESYREL
certain key sites in the brain. Conversely, the theory proposes that Vilazodone
mania is caused by an overproduction of these neurotransmitters. VUBRYD
However, the biogenic amine theory Vortioxetine BRINTELLIX
Antidepressants
Jose A. Rey
TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANTS
cological effects of any of the antidepressant and antimania drugs on neu- Amitriptyline
(TCAs)
rotransmission, which often occur immediately; however, the time course Amoxapine of
for a therapeutic response occurs over several weeks. This suggests that Clomipramine ANAF
RANIL
decreased reuptake of neurotransmitters is only an initial effect of the Desipramine
NORPRAM'N
drugs, which may not be directly responsible for the antidepressant effects. Doxepin SINEQUA N
ImipramineTOFRANjL
Protriptyline VIVACTIL
MaprotilineLLJD10MlL
The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SS Rls) are a group of antide- Trimipramine
Nortriptyline SU
Ill. SELECTIVE SEROTONIN REUPTAKE INHIBITORS RMONTIL
PAMELOR
depression and mania is overly simplistic. It fails to explain the pharma-
MONOAMINE OXIDASE INHIBITORS
3000-fold greater selectivity serotonin transporter, as compared to the (MAO's)
norepinephrine transporter This contrasts with the tricyclic Isocarboxazid MARYLAN
antidepressants (TCAs) and serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake Phenelzine NARDiL
inhibitors (SNRIS) that nonselectively inhibit the reuptake of Selegiline EMSAM
norepinephrine and serotonin (Figure 10.2). Moreover, the SSRls have TranylcyprominePARNATE
little blocking activity at muscarinic, cx-adrenergic, and histaminic H,
receptors, Therefore, common side effects associated with TCAs, such Figure 10.1
as orthostatic hypotension, sedation, dry mouth, and blurred vision, are Summary of
not commonly seen with antidepressants.
pressant drugs that specifically inhibit serotonin reuptake, having 300- to for the
DRUGS USED TO TREAT the SSRls. Because they have different adverse effects and are relatively
MANIA and BIPOLAR safe even in overdose, the SSRls have largely replaced TCAs and
Tricyclic anti d
DISORDER epressant:s
Carbamazepine TEGRETOL. EQUETRO. imipramine
CARBATROL
Lamotrigine LAMICJAL
Lithium
Valproie acid DEPAKENE, DEPAKOTE Figure 10.2
Relative receptor specificity Of some antidepressant drugs. •Verjlafaxine
inhibits norepinephrine reuptake only at high doses. +4+4 = very strong affinity;
Figure 10.1 (Continued) ++4 = strong affinity; ++ = moderate affinity; + = weak affinity;
DRUG UPTAKE
INHIBITION
Nor • Serotonin
brine
Selective seroton in
reupta ke inhibitor
Selective serotonin/
norepinephrine
reupta ke
inhibitors
Duloxetine
B. Therapeutic uses
The primary indication for SSRls is depression, for which they are as
effective as the TCAs, A number of other psychiatric disorders also
respond favorably to SSRIs, including obsessive—compulsive
disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder,
posttraumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, premenstrual
dysphoric disorder, and bulimia nervosa (only fluoxetine is
approved for bulimia).
C. Pharmacokinetics
All of the SSRIs are well absorbed after oral administration. Peak
levels are seen in approximately 2 to 8 hours on average. Food has
little or no affinity,
little effect on absorption (except with sertraline, for which food
Figure 10.3 increases its absorption). The majority of SSRls have plasma half-
Onset of therapeutic effects of the lives that range between 16 and 36 hours. Metabolism by
major antidepressant drugs cytochrome P450 (CYP450)—dependent enzymes and glucuronide
requires several weeks. or sulfate conjuga• tion occur extensively. Fluoxetine differs from
monoamine oxidase inhibitors the other members of the class by having a much longer half-life
(MAOIS) as the drugs Of choice (50 hours), and the halflife of its active metabolite S-norfluoxetine
in treating depression. The SSRls is quite long, averaging 10 days, It is available as a sustained-
include fluoxetine Ifloo-OX-e- release preparation allowing once-weekly dosing. Fluoxetine and
teen] (the prototypic drug), paroxetine are potent inhibitors of a CYP450 isoenzyme (CYP2D6)
citafopram (sye-TAL-oh-pram), responsible for the elimination of TCAs, antipsychotic drugs, and
escitalopram [es-sye•TAL- some antiarrhythmic and l}-adrenergic antagonist drugs. Other
ohpram), fluvoxamine [floo-VOX- CYP450 isoenzymes (CYP2C9/19. CYP3A4. CYPI A2) are involved
e-meen], paroxetine [pa-ROX-e- with SSRI metabolism and may also be inhibited to various degrees
teen], and sertraline [SER-tra- by the SSRls, Dosages of the SSRls should be reduced in patients
leenl. Escitalopram is the pure S- with hepatic impairment.
enantiomer of citalopram
D. Adverse effects
A. Actions Although the SSRIs are considered to have fewer and less severe
The SSRls block the reuptake adverse effects than the TCAs and MAOIs, the SSRls are not
of serotonin, leading to without adverse effects, such as headache, sweating, anxiety and
increased concentrations of agitation, gastrointestinal (GI) effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea),
the neurotransmitter in the weakness and fatigue, sexual dysfunction. changes in weight, sleep
synaptic cleft. disturbances (insomnia and somnolence), and the above-
Antidepressants, including mentioned potential for drug—drug interactions (Figure 10.4).
SSRIs, typically take at least 2 Additionally, SSRIs have been
weeks to produce significant
IV Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
4. Overdose: Overdose with SSRIs does not usually cause cardiac arrhythmias, with the exception of
citalopram, which may cause QT prolongation. [Note: The TCAs have a significant risk for arrhythmias in
overdose.] Seizures are a possibility because all antidepressants may lower the seizure threshold. All
SSRls have the potential to cause serotonin syndrome, especially when used in the presence of a MAOI
or other highly serotonergic drug. Serotonin syndrome may include the symptoms of hyperthermia,
muscle rigidity, sweating, myoclonus (clonic muscle twitching), and changes in mental status and vital
signs.
5. Discontinuation syndrome: All of the SSRIs have the potential to cause a discontinuation syndrome after
their abrupt withdrawal, particularly the agents with shorter half-lives and inactive metabolites.
Fluoxetine has the lowest risk of causing an SSRI discontinuation syndrome due to its longer half-life and
active metabolite.
Possible signs and symptoms of SSRI discontinuation syndrome Figure 10.4
include headache, malaise, and flu-like symptoms. agitation and Some commonly
observed adverse
effects
irritability, nervousness, and changes in sleep pattern. of selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitors.
IV. SEROTONIN/NOREPINEPHRINE REUPTAKE INHIBITORS
effects are common with du/oxetine, including nausea, dry mouth, and
constipation. Insomnia, dizziness, somnolence, sweating, and sexual
dysfunction are also seem Duloxetine may increase blood pressure or
heart rate. Duloxetine is a moderate inhibitor of CYP2D€ isoenzymes
and may increase concentrations of drugs metabolized by this path.
way, such as antipsychotics.
C. Levomilnacipran
Levomilnacipran is an enantiomer of milnacipran (an older SNRI used for
the treatment of depression in Europe and fibromyalgia in the United
States). The adverse effect profile of levomilnacipran is similar to other
SNRIs- It is primarily metabolized by CYP3A4, and, thus, activity may be
altered by inducers or inhibitors of this enzyme system.
V. ATYPICAL ANTIDEPRESSANTS
The atypical antidepressants are a mixed group of agents that have actions
at several different sites. This group includes bupropion [byooPROE-pee-
on], mirtazapine [mir-TAZ-a-peenl, nefazodone (ne-FAZOh-done], trazodone
A. Bupropion
Bupropion is a weak dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
that is used to alleviate the symptoms Of depression. Bupropion is also
useful for decreasing cravings and attenuating withdrawal
V. Atypical Antidepressants
B. Mirtazapine
Mirtazapine enhances serotonin and norepinephrine Figure 10.6
neurotransmission by serving as an antagonist at presynaptic Some commonly observed
receptors. Additionally, some of the antidepressant activity may be adverse effects of
related to antagonism at 5-HT2 receptors, It is sedating because of its mirtazapine,
potent antihistaminic activity, but it does not cause the
antimuscarinic side effects of the TCAs, or interfere with sexual
function like the SSRls. Increased appetite and weight gain frequently
occur (Figure 10.6). Mirtazapine is markedly sedating, which may be
an advantage in
depressed patients having difficulty sleeping.
D. Vilazodone
Vilazodone is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor and a 5-HT,a partial
agonist. Although the extent to which the 5-HT,a receptor activity
contributes to its therapeutic effects is unknown, this possible
mechanism of action renders it unique from that Of the SSRls, The
E. Vortioxetine
Vortioxetine utilizes a combination of serotonin reuptake inhibition, 5-
HT,a agonism, and 5-HT3 and 5-HT7 antagonism as its suggested
mechanisms of action to treat depression. It is unclear to what extent
the activities other than inhibition of serotonin reuptake influence the
overall effects of vortioxetine. The common adverse effects include
nausea, vomiting, and constipation, which may be expected due to its
serotonergic mechanisms.
A. Mechanism of action
Urin
retention I. Inhibition of neurotransmitter reuptake: TCAs and amoxapine are potent
inhibitors of the neuronal reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin
into presynaptic nerve terminals. Maprotiline and desipramine are
relatively selective inhibitors of norepinephrine reuptake.
Blurred 2. Blocking of receptors: TCAs also block serotonergic, a-adrenergic, histaminic,
vision
and muscarinic receptors. It is not known if any of these actions produce the
therapeutic benefit of the TCAs. However, actions at these receptors are likely
responsible for many of their adverse effects. Amoxapine also blocks 5-HT2
and dopamine De receptors.
Tachycardia
B, Actions
The TCAs elevate mood, improve mental alertness, increase physical
activity, and reduce morbid preoccupation in 50% to 70% of individuals
with major depression. The onset of the mood elevation is slow, requiring
Arrhythmias
2 weeks or longer (Figure 10.3). Patient response can be used to adjust
dosage. After a therapeutic response, the dosage can be gradually
reduced to improve tolerability, unless relapse occurs. Physical and
psychological dependence have been rarely reported, This necessitates
slow withdrawal to minimize discontinuation syndromes and cholinergic
Nausea rebound effects.
C. Therapeutic uses
The TCAs are effective in treating moderate to severe depression. Some
Drowsin patients with panic disorder also respond to TCAs. Imipramine has been
used to control bed-wetting in children older than 6 years of age;
however, it has largely been replaced by desmopressin and
nonpharmacologic treatments (enuresis alarms). The TCAs, particularly
amitriptyline, have been used to help prevent migraine
Figure 10.7 headache and treat chronic pain syndromes (for example, neuro-
Some commonly pathic pain) in a number of conditions for which the cause of pain
observed adverse
effects of tricyclic is unclear. Low doses of TCAs, especially doxepin, can be used to
antidepressants. treat insomnia.
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SYNAPTIC
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