What are some different types of anxiety disorders?
GAD, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, SAD
What is an example of an SSRI?
citalopram, escitalopram, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline
Antidepressants work as soon as you start taking them.
False - it generally takes 1-2 weeks to start seeing the benefits of antidepressants. It usually takes 4-6 weeks before these medications have their maximum antidepressant effect and 6-8 weeks for their maximum anti-anxiety effect.
What are some potential side effects of antidepressants?
Early side effects: nausea, diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset, increased anxiety/agitation, sleep changes
Later side effects: weight changes, sexual dysfunction, headache
Which grows faster: toenails or fingernails?
Fingernails
What is the difference between anxiety and an anxiety disorder?
Occasional anxiety in response to stress is a normal part of life, but anxiety disorders involve more than just temporary worry or fear. Anxiety disorders involve long-term and often overwhelming anxiety.
Which chemicals in the brain can antidepressants increase?
serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine
Antihistamines can be used to treat allergies, anxiety, and insomnia.
True - Antidepressants can have numerous effects which can be beneficial for various diseases.
If an antidepressant causes upset stomach, what strategy can you use to manage this side effect?
Take the medication with food.
Who was the first animated character to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
Mickey Mouse
Which drug class is considered first-line for anxiety disorders?
Antidepressants (specifically SSRIs and other newer antidepressants)
Besides medication, what else can be used to help treat depression?
therapy, exercise, meditation, coping strategies
You only need to taper off of antidepressants if you have been on the medication for several months.
False - In most situations a provider will have a patient taper off of their antidepressant regardless of how long they have been on the medication to avoid antidepressant withdrawal effects.
What are some common side effects of benzodiazepines?
drowsiness, dizziness, changes in memory, confusion, lightheadedness, slurred speech, unsteadiness
What color is a giraffe's tongue?
Black! Scientists think that this is so they don’t get sunburnt while they eat.
Which type of anxiety medication can cause dependency?
benzodiazepines (eg. alprazolam, clonazepam, lorazepam)
What is an example of an antidepressant that is not an SSRI?
nortriptyline, amitriptyline, duloxetine, venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine, mirtazapine, bupropion (several others)
Prazosin is a medication that can treat high blood pressure and can help with nightmares.
True - This drug has been shown to help reduce nightmares in those with PTSD.
What are some side effects from antihistamines used for anxiety?
sedation, dry mouth, dry eyes, constipation
What is North Dakota's official drink?
Milk
Which classes of medication can help with the physical symptoms of anxiety but do not help with the psychological signs like increased worrying?
beta blockers (like propranolol) and other medications like clonidine
What is withdrawal syndrome?
If an antidepressant is stopped suddenly, it can cause a form of withdrawal with potential symptoms of lightheadedness, uneasy feeling, sleep difficulty, flu-like symptoms, sweating, headaches. It may occur within days of stopping the antidepressant and can take weeks to go away.
Benzodiazepines (like alprazolam, clonazepam, lorazepam, etc.) are not helpful for treating PTSD.
True - Benzodiazepines are not recommended in PTSD because these medications have not been shown to be effective in treating PTSD symptoms.
Beta blockers (like propranolol) can cause what side effects?
decreased heart rate, feeling dizzy, tiredness
What is the only bird that is able to fly backwards?
Hummingbirds