Medication Adherence
Antidepressants
Side Effects
True/False
Fun Facts
100
Name at least one way to improve medication adherence.
Pair it with something you do (i.e. making coffee or brushing your teeth), weekly pill box, reminder on your phone, etc.
100
Name an antidepressant.
Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Lexapro (escitalopram), Effexor (venlafaxine), Cymbalta (duloxetine), Wellbutrin (bupropion), etc.
100
Name at least one common medication side effect.
nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, etc.
100
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are the most common type of antidepressant.
True - SSRIs are the first-line treatment for depression and anxiety.
100
What is the longest time someone has spent holding their breath underwater?
24 minutes and 37 seconds - Budimir Šobat, a professional breath hold diver from Croatia, set the record in March 2021!
200
Name at least one reason for non-adherence to medications.
Side effects, medication not working, cost of medication, forget to take, etc.
200
Typical length of time it takes antidepressants to be effective?
4-6 weeks
200
The length of time side effects can last when starting an antidepressant?
~2 weeks on average, but most go away within a few days
200
Stop taking your antidepressant if it doesn't start working within a few days.
False - Antidepressants take around 4-6 weeks to work.
200
Approximately what percent of people are left-handed?
10%
300
What might happen if you stop taking your medications suddenly?
Worsening of your condition and potential withdrawal effects.
300
Other than depression, what can antidepressants be used for?
Anxiety
300
The difference between a side effect/intolerance to medication and a medication allergy.
An allergy produces a rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, etc. whereas a side effect causes an undesirable (non life-threatening) effect of a drug.
300
Antidepressants cure depression.
False - Antidepressants can help control symptoms of depression, but if you stop taking them your symptoms may return.
300
What is the technical term (dictionary definition) for a hashtag?
An octothorpe!
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the "octo-" prefix refers to the eight points on the popular symbol, but the "thorpe" remains a mystery. One theory claims that it comes from the Old English word for "village," based on the idea that the symbol looks like a village surrounded by eight fields!
400
What to do if you miss a dose of your medication?
Take it as soon as you remember UNLESS it is close to the next dose (don't double up!)
400
Aside from medications, what else can be used to help treat depression?
Therapy, exercise, nutrition, meditation, etc.
400
Name a rare medication side effect.
Serious skin rash, serotonin syndrome, increased suicidal thoughts, liver/kidney failure, etc.
400
Antipsychotics can be helpful for depression and anxiety.
True - Antipsychotics can be added to an antidepressant for the treatment of depression (i.e. Abilify added to SSRI or SNRI). They also can be useful in anxiety (i.e. Seroquel).
400
The unicorn is the national animal of which country?
A. Ireland
B. Scotland
C. Denmark
D. United States
B. Scotland
Ireland is the Irish hare.
Denmark is the mute swan.
United States is the bald eagle as the national bird and the American bison as the national mammal.
500
What percentage of people are adherent to their medications?
50%
500
Name one of the neurotransmitters that antidepressants work on. (Hint: Let's define neurotransmitter!)
serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine
500
What to do if you experience an intolerable medication side effect?
Contact your provider.
500
Antidepressants work the same for everyone.
False - Antidepressants work different for everyone. It often can be a "trial and error" process to find the right one for you.
500
Name the country that consumes the most chocolate per capita.
Switzerland
