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Understanding atypical antidepressants is essential for pharmacology exams.
These medications don't fit into traditional antidepressant categories like SSRIs, SNRIs, or TCAs but are widely prescribed due to their unique mechanisms.
Here's a collection of helpful mnemonics to memorize drug names, side effects, and interactions.
Atypical Antidepressant Drug Names Mnemonic
To remember key atypical antidepressants, use the mnemonic: "Big Mean Nerds Talk Very Vividly".
- B(Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL
- Mirtazapine (Remeron)
- Nefazodone
- Trazodone
- Vilazodone (Viibryd)
- Vortioxetine (Trintellix)
This covers a variety of important atypical antidepressants, including those used for depression and adjunctive therapies.
Atypical Antidepressant Side Effects Mnemonic
To remember common side effects of atypical antidepressants, use the mnemonic "DANCIN":
- Dry mouth
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Insomnia
- Nausea
Other potential side effects of atypical anti-depressants include: dizziness or lightheadedness, headaches, sexual dysfunction, weight changes, blurred vision, vomiting, drowsiness, and fainting.
Atypical Antidepressant Drug Interactions Mnemonic
To remember key drug interactions for atypical antidepressants, use the mnemonic "Sick Friends Find Bad Moments To Vent":
- S= Serotonin Syndrome (Serotonergic agents with SSRIs, venlafaxine, or nefazodone can lead to serotonin syndrome).
- F= Fluvoxamine (affects CYP1A2 and CYP2C19 activity).
- F= Fluoxetine & Paroxetine (Potent inhibitors of CYP2D6).
- B= Bupropion (not for people with seizure disorders or eating disorders).
- M= Mirtazapine (associated with weight gain and increased cholesterol).
- T= Trazodone (can cause priapism and heart rhythm problems).
- V= Vilazodone & Vortioxetine (may increase the risk of bleeding).
This highlights critical interactions for safer prescribing and patient care.
What is the MOA of atypical antidepressants?
Atypical antidepressants have diverse mechanisms that don't fit into traditional classes like SSRIs or TCAs.
For example:
- Bupropion works on norepinephrine and dopamine, with lower sexual side effects.
- Mirtazapine increases norepinephrine and serotonin activity, often prescribed for sleep and appetite stimulation.
- Trazodone functions as both an antidepressant and sedative, often used for insomnia.
Their unique profiles offer tailored treatment options for patients who don't respond well to conventional antidepressants.