PSYC 235 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Tricyclic Antidepressant, Electroconvulsive Therapy
12 Nov 2016
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
3 basic types of antidepressant medications are used to treat depressive disorders: tricyclic antidepressants. Block the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters, allowing them to pool in the synapse & desensitize or down regulate the transmission of that particular neurotransmitter. Down regulating norepinephrine has the greatest effect. Alleviate depression in approximately 50% of patients. Lethal if taken in excessive doses: mao inhibitors. Block the enzyme monoamine oxidase that breaks down such neurotransmitters as norepinephrine & serotonin. Neurotransmitters pool in synapse, ultimately leading to down regulation or desensitization. Somewhat fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. Consuming foods & beverages containing tyramine (cheese, red wine, beer) can lead to severe hypertensive episodes & occasionally, death. Many other drugs that people take daily (ex. Cold medications) are dangerous & even fatal in interaction with mao inhibitor. Usually prescribed only when tricyclics are not effective: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (ssris) Specifically block the presynaptic reuptake of serotonin. Temporarily increases levels of serotonin at the receptor site.
