Name one way to improve medication adherence.
Pair it with something you do, (i.e. making coffee or brushing your teeth), weekly pill box, reminder on your phone, etc.
Name an antidepressant.
Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Lexapro (escitalopram), Effexor (venlafaxine), Cymbalta (duloxetine), Wellbutrin (bupropion), etc.
Name a common medication side effect.
nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, etc.
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are the most common type of antidepressant.
True - SSRIs are the first-line treatment for depression and anxiety.
What is the longest time someone has spent holding their breath underwater?
24 minutes and 37 seconds
Name one reason for non-adherence to medications.
Side effects, medication not working, cost of medication, forget to take, etc.
Length of time for antidepressants to work?
4-6 weeks
The length of time side effects can last when starting an antidepressant?
~2 weeks on average, but most go away within a few days
Stop taking your antidepressant if it doesn't start working within a few days.
False - Antidepressants take around 4-6 weeks to work.
Approximately what percent of people are left-handed?
10%
What might happen if you stop taking your medications suddenly?
Worsening of your condition and potential withdrawal effects.
Other than depression, what can antidepressants be used for?
Anxiety
The difference between a side effect and an allergy.
An allergy produces a rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, etc. whereas a side effect causes an undesirable (non life-threatening) effect of a drug.
Antidepressants cure depression.
False - Antidepressants can help control symptoms of depression, but if you stop taking them your symptoms will likely return.
Who currently holds the most Academy Awards? (Bonus: How many do they have?)
Walt Disney (lifetime total of 26!)
What to do if you miss a dose of your medication?
Take it as soon as you remember UNLESS it is close to the next dose (don't double up!)
Aside from medications, what else can be used to help treat depression?
Therapy, exercise, nutrition, meditation, etc.
Name a rare medication side effect.
Serious skin rash, serotonin syndrome, increased suicidal thoughts, liver/kidney failure, etc.
Antipsychotics can be helpful for depression and anxiety.
True - Antipsychotics can be added to an antidepressant for the treatment of depression (i.e. Abilify added to SSRI or SNRI). They also can be useful in anxiety (i.e. Seroquel).
What is a group of crows called?
a murder
What percentage of people are adherent to their medications?
50%
Name one of the neurotransmitters that antidepressants work on.
serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine
What to do if you experience an intolerable medication side effect?
Contact your provider.
Antidepressants work the same for everyone.
False - Antidepressants work different for everyone. It often can be a "trial and error" process to find the right one for you.
Name the country that consumes the most chocolate per capita.
Switzerland