Antidepressants power point presentation

### Description (500 Words)

**Antidepressants: Mechanisms, Uses, and Management**

This comprehensive PowerPoint presentation delves into the world of antidepressants, exploring their mechanisms of action, clinical applications, potential side effects, and the importance of monitoring. Designed for healthcare professionals, students, and educators, this presentation aims to enhance understanding of the pharmacological treatment of depression and other mood disorders.

Antidepressants are medications commonly used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and other mood-related conditions. They work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which play key roles in mood regulation. This presentation provides an in-depth look at the major classes of antidepressants: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

**Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs):** SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants due to their relatively favorable side effect profile. Medications such as fluoxetine, sertraline, and citalopram work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin into neurons, increasing its availability in the brain. This helps improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

**Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs):** SNRIs, including venlafaxine and duloxetine, act on both serotonin and norepinephrine. By preventing the reuptake of these neurotransmitters, SNRIs help enhance mood and are particularly useful for treating major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.

**Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs):** TCAs, such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline, are older antidepressants that are effective but often associated with more side effects. They work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Due to their side effect profile, TCAs are typically reserved for cases where other treatments have failed.

**Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs):** MAOIs, including phenelzine and tranylcypromine, inhibit the activity of monoamine oxidase, an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. These drugs can be highly effective but require dietary restrictions and careful monitoring due to potential interactions and side effects.

The presentation also addresses the side effects and safety concerns associated with antidepressant use. Common side effects include nausea, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and insomnia. More serious risks, such as increased suicidal thoughts in young adults and serotonin syndrome, are also discussed. Monitoring and managing these side effects is crucial for ensuring patient safety and adherence to treatment.

In addition to pharmacological information, the presentation covers the importance of a holistic approach to treating depression.

1. “ANTI DEPRESSANTS “ PR EPARE D BY : ANJALI SAMSON Nursing Tutor

2. INDICATIONS Dysthymic disorder Major depression with melancholia or psychotic symptoms Depression associated with organic disease Alcoholism schizophrenia or mental retardation Depressive phase of bipolar disorder Depression accompanied by anxiety

3. MECHANISM OF ACTION These drugs work to increase the concentration of norepinephrine , serotonin, and/or dopamine in the body . This is accomplished in the brain by blocking the reuptake of these neurotransmitters by the neurons ( tricyclics,tetracyclics,selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors , and others) . It also occurs when an enzyme , monoamine oxidase , that is known to inactivate norepinephrine , serotonin, and dopamine is inhibited at various sites in the nervous system.

4. ANTI DEPRESSANT DRUGS Tricyclics - Doxepin ( sinequan ) 25-300 mg Imiparmine ( tofranil ) 30-300mg selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors - Escitalopram ( lexapro ) 10-20 mg Fluoxetin ( prozac ) 20-80mg Non selective reuptake inhibitors Vanlafaxine ( effexor ) 75-375 mg Monoamine oxidase inhibitors Isocarboxacid ( marplan ) 20-60mg Phenelzine ( nardil ) 45-90 mg

5. SIDE EFFECTS Dry mouth Sedation Discontinuation syndrome Blurred vision Constipation Urinary retention Orthostatic hypotension

6. CONTD... Reduction of seizure threshold Tachycardia, arrhythmia Photosensitivity Weight gain Insomnia , agitation Headache, weight loss Hypertensive crisis Serotonin syndrome

7. CONTRA-INDICATIONS Hypersensitivity Myocardial infarction Angle closure glaucoma . Caution should be taken with elderly patients and those with hepatic , renal or cardiac insufficiency. Caution is required with psychotic clients who have benign prostatic hypertrophy, and with clients with history of seizures.

8. NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES Offer the client sugarless candy or ice, frequent sips of water. Request for the drug to be given at bedtime Instruct client not to drive or use dangerous machinery when experiencing sedation Medication may be taken with food to minimise GI distress Offer reassurance that the symptoms should subside after a few weeks

9. CONTD Order foods high in fibre ;increase fluid intake if not contra indicated Instruct client to report hesitancy or inability to urinate Instruct the client to rise slowly from a lying or sitting position Observe clients with history of seizures closely Carefully monitor the vital signs

10. CONTD.. Ensure that client wears protective sunscreens , clothing and sunglasses when going outdoors. Provide instructions for reduced calorie diet Weigh the client daily or every alternate day