PTSD/Trauma
Desired therapeutic outcome of sertraline (Zoloft)
Increase energy and elevate mood
Why do therapists tend to use SSRI’s over TCA’s in treating OCD
Because TCA’s have more intense side effects/adverse side effects
What drug class is known for treating GAD and why is it not considered the most ideal drug class to use?
Benzodiazepines, a high tolerance and addiction
Why in patients with panic disorder, must SSRIs be titrated slowly?
They appear to be sensitive to overstimulation
What two drug classes are effective in treating agoraphobia and social anxiety disorders
Tricyclic and MAOI’s
What anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) is commonly prescribed for PTSD?
Alprazolam-benzo
List at least two of four common SSRI’s that treat OCD
1. Fluxoetine
2. Paroxetine
3. Sertraline
4. Fluvoxamine
How would a provider prescribe a benzodiazepine medication for GAD?
Take the medication PRN when the client is feeling anxious
What kinds of symptoms would be seen in patient with SSRI withdrawal syndrome?
Headache, nausea, visual disturbances, anxiety, dizziness, and tremors
What drug class helps treat “stage fright” ?
Beta blockers
What does the beta blocker propranolol help with in patients with PTSD?
It helps alleviate their symptoms, but does not cure the disease
List at least 3 side effects of SSRI’s
Restlessness, Drowsiness, Dry mouth, Insomnia, nervousness, nausea, sexual dysfunction, diarrhea, headaches, blurred vision
What is the disadvantage of taking the drug buspirone?
It has a 10-14 day delay of alleviating the symptoms of GAD so the patient may feel as if it is not working
What are the three general categories that can be used to treat panic disorder?
Anxiolytics, antidepressants, antihypertensive agents
What two benzodiazepines are most common in treating social anxiety disorder?
Alprazolam, clonazepam
What do carbamazepine, lithium carbonate, and valproic acid help alleviate in patients with PTSD? (List at least 3)
1. Intrusive recollections
2. Flashbacks
3. Nightmares
4. Impulsivity
5. Irritability
6. Violent Behavior
What TCA antidepressants is the most common in treating OCD?
Clomipramine
What kinds of other medications can be used to decrease anxiety?
Beta blockers and antihistamines
What syndrome that can begin 2-72 hours after starting treatment and can be lethal that you should you watch for in patients taking SSRI’s
What the physiological effects do MAOI have?
Reduce depression and control anxiety
What drug class is considered first-line treatment for patients with PTSD or ASD?
SSRIs
What are some of the adverse side effects of TCA
-sexual dysfunction
-serotonin syndrome
-seizures
-black tarry stools
-tremors & tinnitus
-yellowing of eyes & skin
What kind of medication can be used as mood stabilizer for the client who is experiencing anxiety?
Anticonvulsants
What are some symptoms of serotonin syndrome
Mental confusion, delirium, fever, tachycardia, abdominal pain, irritability, diaphoresis, seizures, death
What are the physiological effects of Tricyclic antidepressants?
Reduce depression, relief of severe pain, prevent panic attacks