Alpha Agonists: Side Effects
This common side effect of alpha agonists, especially with clonidine, may cause patients to feel excessively tired or drowsy.
What is sedation or somnolence?
In addition to beta-blockers, alpha agonists can have an interaction with these types of medications, which can increase the risk of bradycardia and hypotension.
What are calcium channel blockers?
SSRIs may be prescribed to manage this condition, which affects a person’s ability to regulate mood and can cause mood swings from manic highs to depressive lows.
What is bipolar disorder (specifically, depressive episodes)?
One of the most common side effects of SSRIs, especially in the first few weeks of treatment, is difficulty with this.
What is sexual dysfunction?
Patients taking SSRIs should be instructed to monitor for any signs of worsening mood or thoughts of self-harm, as SSRIs can initially cause an increased risk of these symptoms in this population.
Who are adolescents and young adults?
In some patients, alpha-1 agonists may cause this uncomfortable symptom, characterized by dry mouth and difficulty swallowing.
What is xerostomia (dry mouth)?
Clonidine is often used to treat hypertension. However, this type of medical condition may require special caution when using alpha agonists, as they can worsen symptoms.
What is severe coronary artery disease (CAD)?
SSRIs can be effective in managing this condition in children and adolescents, which involves extreme difficulty in focusing or controlling behavior.
What is attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
When patients on SSRIs experience symptoms like confusion, hyperreflexia, and tremors, they may be experiencing this potentially life-threatening condition.
What is serotonin syndrome?
SSRI therapy may take this long to show noticeable improvements in mood or anxiety symptoms.
What is 2–4 weeks?
Patients using alpha-2 agonists may experience this side effect, particularly if they have a history of prostate problems.
What is urinary retention?
To avoid serious interactions, patients taking alpha agonists should not concurrently use these types of medications that also lower blood pressure and have a central nervous system depressant effect.
What are benzodiazepines?
SSRIs are commonly prescribed for this anxiety-related condition, which includes sudden, intense periods of fear and physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath.
What is panic disorder?
Patients on SSRIs should avoid this common class of medications, which increases the risk of bleeding when combined with SSRIs.
What are NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)?
In the elderly, SSRIs should be prescribed with caution, especially in those with this condition, due to the increased risk of side effects like hyponatremia.
What is liver or kidney disease?
When alpha-1 agonists are used topically for nasal congestion over an extended period, this condition can occur, causing the nasal passages to become even more congested after the medication wears off.
What is rhinitis medicamentosa (rebound nasal congestion)?
Patients on alpha agonists should be cautioned against using certain antidepressants, like these, which can potentiate the hypertensive effects of alpha agonists.
What are tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?
SSRIs can be used as part of the treatment plan for this eating disorder, characterized by binge eating and feelings of loss of control.
What is bulimia nervosa?
Taking an SSRI along with this class of antidepressants, especially phenelzine or tranylcypromine, can cause a dangerous increase in serotonin levels.
What are MAO inhibitors (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)?
For patients with a history of this condition, SSRIs may be prescribed with caution, as they could increase the risk of triggering an episode, especially if combined with other medications that increase serotonin levels.
What is bipolar disorder?
Alpha-1 agonists can cause this dangerous side effect, characterized by excessive constriction of blood vessels and resulting in reduced blood flow to vital organs.
What is ischemia or tissue necrosis (especially in the extremities)?
Alpha-1 agonists like phenylephrine should be avoided or used with caution in patients taking this type of medication, as it can exacerbate the risk of hypertension.
What are monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)?
In addition to their use in psychiatric disorders, SSRIs can be prescribed to help alleviate the symptoms of this chronic pain condition, often linked with depression.
What is fibromyalgia?
Patients on SSRIs, especially older adults, should be warned about the potential risk of this condition, where they feel agitated, restless, or unable to sit still.
What is akathisia?
Patients with liver or kidney disease may require dose adjustments when taking SSRIs, as these organs are involved in the metabolism of the drug. Which SSRI has a lower potential for liver enzyme interaction and may be preferred for these patients?
What is sertraline?