What should I do?
True or False? If I feel my medication is not working after 1 week, I should stop taking it.
False! Some medications can take up to 4-6 weeks to be effective.
How long does it take for antidepressants to be effective?
It can take up to 4-6 weeks.
Name 2 mood stabilizers
Lithium, Depakote, Tegretol
Name one antipsychotic medication
Abilify, Invega, Haldol, Prolixin, Seroquel
Name a medication that can help treat anxiety
Buspar, Clonazepam, Xanax, Ativan etc.
Take at night and speak with MD if feeling sedated during the day.
Name a SSRI antidepressant
Lexapro, Zoloft, Celexa, Prozac, Paxil
What is important to get at least every 6 months when taking a mood stabilizer?
Labs!
What is a common possible side effect of antipsychotics?
Weight Gain, Drowsiness
This class of medication is used for anxiety. It can be addictive and is usually prescribed for a short period of time.
Benzodiazepines
What should you do if your medication does not seem to be effective after 6 weeks?
Speak with MD
Cymbalta, Pristiq and Effexor are all examples of what class of anti depressants?
SNRI- serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
What does it mean to have a toxic amount of medication in the blood?
Taking too high of a dose of medication, could cause side effects such a nausea, vomiting, confusion.
What symptoms can antipsychotics help treat
Paranoia, Hallucinations, Agitation, Delusions
Propranolol can help treat anxiety symptoms such as?
Fast heart rate, sweatiness and shaking
True or False? It is okay to take medication only on the days I feel I need it.
False! Unless it is an as needed medication, medications should be taken daily as prescribed.
SNRI's treat depression but is also commonly used to help treat which mental disorder
Anxiety!
Certain Mood Stabilizers can also treat which disorder?
Epilepsy!
True or False? All antipsychotics are taken by mouth.
False! They can be used as long acting injections. Injections may last 30, 60 or 90 days depending on dose.
This class of antidepressants is commonly used to help treat anxiety
SSRI's
True or False? It is okay to drink alcohol while taking medications.
False! It can be dangerous to take psychotropic medications and drink alcohol.
True or False? You can take antidepressants just on the days you feel depressed.
False! You should take your medication daily as prescribed for best result.
Mood Stabilizers are most commonly used for which Mental Disorder?
Bipolar Disorder!
What disorder is commonly treated with Antipsychotics? (name one)
Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective, Bipolar disorder
True or false? Most medications for anxiety are fast acting.
True! Aside from SSRI's- benzodiazepines, Vistaril and propranolol work fairly quickly.