Medication Safety
True or False: You should take Lexapro at the same time everyday
True
Does this medication have an FDA black box warning?
Yes
True or False: managing your stress is not important while treating depression and anxiety
False
What kind of medication is Lexapro?
SSRI- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
What is Serotonin Syndrome
When your body has too much Serotonin
What should you do if you forget to take your scheduled dose?
Take as soon as possible but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose
Why should you not stop using this medication suddenly?
You may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
True or False: maintaining health diet, exercise and sleep patterns is important for your treatment for depression/anxiety?
True
What does this medication treat
Anxiety and Depression
List 3 mild symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome AND
2 moderate symptoms
Mild- restlessness, fast heart rate, sweating, tremors, shivering
Moderate- change in mental status, hyperactivity, neuromusclar abnormalities
How much Lexapro should you take?
Only the amount prescribed by your provider
When should you call your doctor
If you experience changes in vision, unusual risk-taking behavior, feelings of extreme happiness or sadness, pain or burning urination, tremors, fast heart beat, muscle rigidity while on this medication
List 3 healthy coping mechanisms AND 3 unhealthy coping mechanisms
Healthy- listening to music, exercising, writing, reading, spending time with friends and family, painting/drawing, cooking
Unhealthy- Using illicit substances, drinking alcohol, self isolation, sleeping too much or too little, avoiding issues, skipping school
Can you take this medication with or without food?
Both!
What kinds of medications increase your risk of Serotonin Syndrome if you are on Lexapro? Name 3
Migraine medications, Cold/cough medications, anti-emitics (nausea), herbal supplements illegal substances
What medications should you avoid while on Lexapro?
Ask your doctor before using NSAID (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Advil and Motrin. The combination of NSAIDS and Lexapro may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.
Name 5 common side effects
Dizziness, Drowsiness, feeling anxious or agitated, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, nausea, constipation, sexual dysfunction
In addition to medication therapy, name another type of therapy that can help manage symptoms of anxiety and depression?
group/mileu therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy
What is Serotonin
A Neurotransmitter
List 5 severe (life threatening) symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome
Delirium, high blood pressure, high body temperature, muscle rigidity, fast rate rate, seizure, coma, death
You should report what to your doctor immediately if you are taking Lexapro?
Increased thoughts of suicide, worsening depression.
Seek emergency help if what happens:
Allergic reaction symptoms including: skin rash/hives, changes in breathing, swelling in your face, tongue and/or throat
What should you not use while using this medication
any illicit substances and alcohol
What is the action of this medication?
Blocks the reuptake of serotonin in the space between two nerves (synapse)
what should you do if you suspect that you have serotonin syndrome?
Seek medical attention right away