Anxiety
This type of anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about everyday things for at least 6 months.
What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?
Combining MAOIs with this class of antidepressants, which includes fluoxetine and sertraline, can lead to serotonin syndrome.
What are SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)?
This life-threatening condition can occur when SSRIs or SNRIs are taken with another drug that increases serotonin levels.
What is serotonin syndrome?
This class of antidepressants includes brand names like Celexa, Prozac, and Zoloft, and is known for side effects like sexual dysfunction, dry mouth, and nausea.
What are SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)?
These anxiolytic medications, known for ending in “-pam” or “-lam,” are considered safer and more effective than barbiturates. Common examples include alprazolam, lorazepam, and diazepam.
What are benzodiazepines?
Sudden episodes of intense fear, chest pain, dizziness, and a feeling of impending doom are hallmark signs of this disorder.
What is Panic Disorder?
This opioid analgesic, when taken with an MAOI, can result in hyperthermia, seizures, and even death.
What is meperidine?
These two neuromuscular symptoms, often seen early in serotonin syndrome, include increased reflexes and muscle contractions.
What are hyperreflexia and muscle spasms?
This side effect is common across nearly all antidepressant classes, including Tricyclics, SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, and newer combinations.
What is dry mouth?
This benzodiazepine, often given for acute anxiety or panic attacks, goes by the brand name Xanax.
What is alprazolam?
This term refers to an irrational fear of a specific object or situation, such as spiders or flying.
What is a specific phobia?
These two common ingredients in over-the-counter cold medications can cause hypertensive crisis when taken with MAOIs.
What are pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine?
This vital sign abnormality, often seen with serotonin syndrome, involves an elevated body temperature and rapid heartbeat.
What are fever and tachycardia?
When taking this older class of antidepressants, patients must avoid foods like aged cheese, fermented products, and chocolate due to the risk of hypertensive crisis.
What are MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)?
This “pam”-ending benzodiazepine is frequently used before surgeries for its sedative and amnesic effects. It’s known by the brand name Versed.
What is midazolam?
This anxiety disorder involves a persistent fear of being judged or humiliated in social or performance situations.
What is Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)?
This CNS stimulant, commonly found in ADHD medications, may cause a hypertensive emergency when combined with MAOIs.
What are amphetamines?
When starting a patient on SSRIs or SNRIs, nurses should monitor for this syndrome, especially if the patient is also on MAOIs or St. John's Wort.
What is serotonin syndrome?
This antidepressant class, which includes Cymbalta and Effexor, can cause side effects such as blurred vision, increased blood pressure, and tremors.
What are SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)?
Benzodiazepines exert their calming effect by enhancing the activity of this inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
What is GABA?
These two classes of medications are considered first-line treatments for most anxiety disorders due to their effectiveness and safety.
What are SSRIs and SNRIs?
These two older classes of antidepressants should never be used with MAOIs due to the risk of severe hypertensive or serotonergic reactions.
What are SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants?
If a nurse suspects serotonin syndrome, they should take this immediate action related to the medication regimen.
What is stopping the serotonergic medications and notifying the provider immediately?
This antidepressant category includes Wellbutrin and Desyrel, and is associated with vomiting, nervousness, and sweating as common side effects.
What are newer combination antidepressants?
These two benzodiazepines, temazepam and flurazepam, are often prescribed to treat this nighttime condition.
What is insomnia?