Antidepressants

• Tricyclic antidepressants (imipramine) inhibit the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, they also block histamine receptors, cholinergic receptors, and alpha-1 receptors
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (Fluoxetine) inhibit serotonin reuptake, therefore increase serotonin levels
• Serotonin Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (Venalfaxine) inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) prevent the breakdown of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine
• Atypical antidepressants (Bupropion) inhibit reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine
• All antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal ideations when first beginning treatment
• Adverse effects of TCA include orthostatic hypotension, urinary retention, blurred vision, dry mouth, tachycardia, constipation, sexual dysfunction, sedation, weight gain, and cardiac toxicity
• Adverse effects of SSRIs include serotonin syndrome (confusion, agitation, hallucinations, hypertensive crisis, fever, nausea), weight gain, withdrawal symptoms after abrupt discontinuation, and sexual dysfunction
• Adverse effects of SNRIs include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, nervousness, sweating, tachycardia, somnolence, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and serotonin syndrome
• Adverse effects of MAOIs include anxiety, insomnia, agitation, orthostatic hypotension, and weight gain
• Eating tyramine while taking MAOIs can cause a hypertensive crisis (severe headache, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, confusion, and sweating)
• Bupropion is the only antidepressant that doesn't cause weight gain or sexual dysfunction
• Side effects of Atypical antidepressants include seizures, agitation, insomnia, headache, tachycardia, dry mouth, constipation, GI upset, dizziness, blurred vision, and hallucinations