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 and more adverse side effects
What drug class is previously known for treating General Anxiety Disorder, and why is it not considered the most ideal drug class to use?
Benzodiazepines, it has a high tolerance and addiction rate.
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
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 a patient with general anxiety disorder?
Take the medication PRN when the client is feeling anxious
What kinds of symptoms would be seen in patient with SSRI withdrawal syndrome? (list at least 2)
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 diagnosed 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 General anxiety disorder, so the patient may feel as if it is not working.
What is the fist-line drug for Panic disorders? Can you name all 3?
SSRIs
paroxetine, fluoxetine, setraline
What two benzodiazepines are most common in treating social anxiety disorder?
Alprazolam and 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 antidepressant is the most common in treating OCD?
Clomipramine
What are two drug classes that can also be used to decrease anxiety?
Beta blockers and antihistamines
What is the syndrome that can begin 2-72 hours after starting treatment of antidepressants?
Hint: can be lethal that you should you watch for signs in patients taking SSRI’s
Serotonin syndrome
What are the physiological effects of MAOIs?
(2 things)
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 TCAs? (list at least 2)
-sexual dysfunction
-serotonin syndrome
-seizures
-black tarry stools
-tremors & tinnitus
-yellowing of eyes & skin
What drug class can be used as mood stabilizer for a client who is experiencing anxiety?
Anticonvulsants
What are some of the symptoms of serotonin syndrome? (list at least 3)
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