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
In Manhattan, a one-block stretch of 9th Avenue between 15th and 16th streets is officially known as ______ Way. The designation honors an iconic cookie, which was first manufactured on that very block.
Oreo Way
200
Name at least two reasons 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 in the United States are left-handed?
13%
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
How did the term "raise a toast" come about?
Ancient Greek and European origins suggest that during holiday seasons, communal bowls (known as wassail bowls) were filled with warm, spiced drinks, and garnished with slices of toasted, sliced bread.
Wassail bowls are derived from the greeting "waes hael", meaning "be well" or "be in good health".
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
T/F: 1 cup of strawberries contain more vitamin C than a medium size orange.
True
One cup of strawberries contains ~98mg of vitamin C while one medium orange contains ~70mg of vitamin C.
500
What percentage of American adults are adherent to their medications?
~50%
"Some research indicates that around 50% of patients with chronic conditions either miss doses, take incorrect amounts, or discontinue treatment within the first year."
500
Name at least 2 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 (CH -- This code is derived from the country's Latin name, Confoederatio Helvetica ("Helvetic Confederation"), chosen to avoid favoring any of its four official languages.)
