Miscellaneous
TRUE or FALSE You should suddenly stop taking your medication on your own if you feel it isn't helping or you feel that you don't need it anymore.
FALSE! Never stop your medications without the help of you primary care provider or psychiatrist. Quitting psychotropic medications abruptly may cause a rebound in symptoms and may cause you to have symptoms of withdrawal.
Name three symptoms of anxiety
Fear, panic, racing heart, shortness of breath, trembling, nausea, poor sleep, poor appetite, restlessness, racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating etc..
Name three symptoms of depression
Tiredness/fatigue, loss of interest, apathy, sadness, guilt, hopelessness, irritability, trouble accomplishing tasks or making decisions, change in appetite, sleeping too much or too little...etc..
What are the two main symptoms of psychosis?
Delusions and Hallucinations
Name three symptoms of mania?
Many psychotropic medications can cause constipation, and dry mouth how can you manage these side effects?
Increase fluid intake, eat a balanced diet with plenty of fiber.
Chew sugar free gum for feelings of dry mouth, use mouthwash made to help with dry mouth
What are common side effects of anti-anxiety medications?
Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, tiredness
The most popular type of antidepressants are SSRIS (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). Name 3 common SSRI's
Prozac, Celexa, Paxil, Lexapro, Zoloft
Name two antispychotic medications
Atypical or second generation:Newer, more common
Risperdal, Zyprexa, Seroquel, Geodon, Abilify, Invega, Latuda, Saphris, Clozaril etc..
Typical or first generation: Older, less common
Thorazine, Haldol, Prolixin etc..
TRUE or FALSE People taking Depakote and Lithium require lab draws to monitor their levels.
TRUE
How can you keep your medications organized and ensure you take them on time?
Use a 7 day pill organizer, make list of medications you are taking and what time you take them, set an alarm on your phone, med drops from CMH, designating a family member or friend to administer your medication..etc
What fast acting medications can help treat short term symptoms of anxiety?
Benzodiazapines
Klonopin, Xanax, Ativan, Valium
Antihistamines
Vistaril, Atarax
Beta-Blockers can be used for physical symptoms, some antidepressants may also be used
SNRI's (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) such as Effexor and Cymbalta are effective in treating depression as well as these two other symptoms
Pain and anxiety
TRUE OR FALSE: it may take several medication changes to find a treatment that works for you
TRUE
TRUE or FALSE Some anti-seizure medications can be used as mood stabilizers
TRUE
Medications like Depakote, Lamictal, and Trileptal are effective mood stabilizers
TRUE or FALSE It is safe to take an expired medication.
FALSE - Never use an expired medication. Dispose of the medication properly (many pharmacies, police stations, and fire department will do this for you)
What medication can be used to treat anxiety long term?
Buspar
Unlike the short term medications that are taken "as needed", these medications must be taken every day for a few weeks to real full effect.
What antidepressant is also used to aid in quitting smoking?
Wellbutrin
How long does it take for antipsychotics to work?
Some symptoms like feeling agitated or having hallucinations will go away quickly and may resolve in a couple days, other symptoms like delusions may take a few weeks. The important thing is to STICK TO IT!
FALSE
Lithium is processed through the kidneys like a salt. If you become dehydrated, your lithium levels may go up and cause "lithium toxicity" and you may become very sick. Make sure you tell your doctor if you are vomiting or have diarrhea or have not been able to drink enough fluids to stay hydrated.
Orthostatic hypotension is a common side effect of many medications. This means your blood pressure drops when you change positions from laying to sitting or standing. How can you safely arise from bed in the morning?
Sit on the edge of your bed for several minutes prior to rising.
What can be a potential problem when taking benzodiazepines for long periods of time?
You can build up a tolerance to the medication and require higher doses, there is a high potential of becoming dependent.
Doctors will typically prescribe these as needed for a short period of time and find alternative treatments such as Buspar
With what older class of anti-depressant should you avoid aged cheeses, beer, wine, pea pods, soy sauce, and pepperoni?
MAOIs (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
What are the side effects you have to look out for with antipsychotics, especially after long term use?
Metabolic Syndrome: Weight gain, elevated sugars, high cholesterol
Tardive Dyskinesia: Stiffness, muscle spasms, tremors, restlessness, abnormal tongue movements
Follow up with your doctor for any of these symptoms!!
BONUS QUESTION
Name three famous people with Bipolar Disorder
Carrie Fisher, Mariah Carey, Jean -Claude VanDamme, Demi Lovato, Vincent VanGogh,Russell Brand,Stephen Fry,Catherine Zeta-Jones, RIchard Dreyfuss. Mel Gibson, Ernest Hemingway,Marilyn Monroe..etc.