Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors overdose

MDMA overdose as well as the concomitant consumption of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) with other dmgs that exert serotoninergic effects (such as inhibitors of monoamine oxidase) can rapidly lead to the serotonin syndrome. Its symptoms, which are reversible upon cessation, of the drug include confusion, muscle rigidity in the lower limbs, and hyperthermia suggesting an acute reaction to serotonin overflow in the CNS. Blocking the function of SERT outside the brain causes side effects (e.g., nausea), which may be due to elevated 5HT however , impairment of transporter function is not equivalent to direct activation of 5HT recqrtors in causing adverse effects such as fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension. 

The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) inhibit the reuptake of 5-HT into the presynaptic neuron. They are generally chosen as first-line antidepressants because of their safety in overdose and improved tolerability compared to earlier agents. 

Whyte IM, Dawson AH, Buckley NA. Relative toxicity of venlafaxine and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in overdose compared to tricyclic antidepressants. QJM. 2003 96 369-374. 

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most popular treatment option due to safety in overdose situations, low side effect burden, and ease of administration (i.e., once-daily dosing with minimal titration required). SSRIs are also effective treatment for the management of anxiety disorders, a common psychiatric comorbidity among the depressed. 

Pentel PR, Keyler DE, Haddad LM. Tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. In Haddad LM, Shannon MW, Winchester JF, eds. Clinical management of poisoning and drug overdose, 3 ed. Philadelphia WB Saunders Co, 1998 437-51. 

Atomoxetine, bupropion, and TCAs are second-line alternatives to the stimulants for treatment of ADHD in children, teens, and adults. The potential benefits of these agents in comparison with stimulants include reduced risk of abuse and somewhat lower potential for sleep disturbance. TCAs are the most dangerous in overdose and pose the greatest risk for cardiovascular side effects. The monoamine oxidase inhibitor tranylcypromine is effective but used infrequently due to the potential for dangerous drug and dietary interactions. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are not effective for ADHD. ... 

Fewer adverse effects were reported among moclobemide-treated patients compared with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)-treated patients. Since moclobemide does not induce orthostatic hypotension, does not possess anticholinergic properties, and is not cardiotoxic, it is very well suited among the MAOIs for the treatment of depression. Moclobemide has limited potential to elicit a hypertensive crisis, because the pressor effect of tyramine from food is only marginally potentiated compared with tranylcypromine. The pressor effect of tyramine is normalized within 3 days of cessation of treatment with moclobemide. The combination of SSRIs and moclobemide has good efficacy in cases of refractory depression, but there is controversy as to whether toxic side-effects such as serotonin syndrome can result from this combination. Currently, more studies are needed before this combination can be recommended. Acute overdose with MAOIs causes agitation, hallucinations, hyperpyrexia, hyperreflexia, convulsions, and death. The most dangerous MAOIs in overdose are the irreversible non-selective MAOIs. T2s-27... 

The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the first-line treatment of depression in the elderly. Compared with tricyciic antidepressants (TCAs), they are much safer in overdose and, for the most part, their side-effects are better tolerated. The antidepressants that have been shown, in controlled studies, to be effective in geriatric major depression are the SSRIs fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline, the TCAs clomipramine and nortriptyline, and the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRi) venlafaxine. Given that most antidepressants are effective in the elderly, the choice of drug is based on its side-effect profile and its potential to interact with other medications. 

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the first-line therapy for PTSD. Efficacy for fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline has been demonstrated in well-designed double-blind placebo-controlled studies to reduce all symptom domains (intrusive recollection, avoidance/numbness, and hyperarousal). - Other treatment options include the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) amitriptyline and imipramine and the irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOl) phenelzine, which have been shown to reduce re-experiencing. However, in comparison with SSRIs, TCAs and phenelzine are associated with a higher incidence of side-effects, risk of overdose, and poor compliance. Alprazolam has demonstrated anecdotal efficacy however, regular use of benzodiazepines is not recommended. Benzodiazepines can be used on an as-needed basis for specific symptoms (e.g. sleep disturbances). CBT has shown beneficial effects in relatively well-controlled studies, while the results with exposure therapy are... 

Clomipramine, a tricyclic, is a more selective inhibitor of serotonin reuptake than other drugs in its class. This activity appears to be important in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Patients with OCD are also responsive to sertraline and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and the SSRIs have now become the drugs of choice for this disorder since they are safer in overdose than tricyclics. The answer is (C). 

Older and newer antidepressants are roughly as effective as each other, but Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are recommended first, as their side effects are easier to tolerate, and they re less dangerous in overdose. Mirtazapine can help if sedation is needed. 

Serotonin-Selective Reuptake Inhibitors. Since their introduction in the mid-1980s SSRIs have become the most widely used of all antidepressants. This is largely because of their improved safety and tolerability in clinical use. Although the SSRIs are no more efficacious or rapid in onset of action than the tricyclics, they lack most of the serious toxicity and adverse side effects associated with the first-generation drugs. The relative absence of cardiac toxicity makes the SSRIs relatively safe in overdose (36). Fatal overdose... 

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