Antidepressants
Name two SSRIs
Lexapro, Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, or Paxil
Name one tricyclic antidepressant
Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline
How long should an individual trial an antidepressant? (w/o major side effects)
4-6 weeks minimum, 6-8 weeks to judge full effect at effective dose.
SSRIs a common treatment for what?
anxiety and depressive symptoms
Name one SNRI
Cymbalta, Effexor
Why is it important to know what medications you take and what they do?
In case of emergency, and when trying new drugs (including recreational), the medications you take can interact with others and result in potentially dangerous symptoms.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
anxiety, depression, migraines, nerve pain, fibromyalgia, and/or sleep problems
When a person begins medication, what symptoms improve before the depressed mood?
Energy levels and the ability to take action (make decisions)
Name 2 classes of antidepressants
MAOIs, TCAs, SSRIs, SNRIs
What are 3 common side effects for SSRIs?
Nausea, sexual side effects, sleep changes, headache, emotional blunting, and/or weight changes
Name 4 common side effects for TCAs and/or SNRIs
TCAs: constipation, blurred vision, urinary retention, weight gain, dizziness on standing
SNRIs: sweating, headache, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, increased blood pressure
Both: dry mouth
unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue, confusion, new rash, unusual behavior changes, any signs of severe allergic reaction, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, high fever, heart rate, BP, or heavy sweating
What is the oldest medicinal antidepressant in history?
Iproniazid (1952)
What is the oldest SSRI to be FDA approved?
Prozac, approved in 1987
TCAs and MAOIs are the oldest antidepressants. In what year were they introduced?
1957
Why should you NEVER abruptly stop taking medication (specifically SSRIs and SNRIs)?
Your brain becomes adapted to the medication and must be slowly weaned off. Stopping medication can result in intense withdrawal symptoms