Medications
This class of medications treat symptoms of low energy, loss of pleasure, changes in appetite and/or sleep, concentration problems, preoccupation with guilt or death, hopelessness and helplessness.
What are antidepressants?
What are the 3 medications commonly prescribed for opioid dependence/ alcohol use disorder?
What is Methadone, Naltrexone & Suboxone (Buprenorphine)?
DESRYEL - an antidepressant medication that is prescribed commonly off-label as a sleep-aid.
Take medication with food or milk.
True or False: It is typically recommended to apply your nicotine patch before bedtime.
FALSE! Nicotine patches can cause nightmares if worn to bed.
This class of medications treats symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, paranoia, lack of motivation or energy, and impaired social interactions.
What are antipsychotic medications?
This class of medication is prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, seizures, etc. and is also prescribed for alcohol withdrawal.
What are benzodiazepines?
NEUROTIN - an anticonvulsant that is commonly used to treat seizures, nerve pain, and restless leg syndrome. Often used for anxiety in combination with other mood stabilizers and antidepressants.
What is Gabapentin?
Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
True or False: The first antidepressant was actually used to treat tuberculosis.
TRUE! Iproniazid was the first antidepressant, specifically an MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor).
Name an example of an SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors).
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), Duloxetine (Cymbalta), Venlafaxine (Effexor XR), levomilnacipran (Fetzima), & Milnacipran (Savella)***
What class of drug is Haldol (Haloperidol) considered?
Antipsychotic (1st generation).
LAMOTRIGINE - an anti-epileptic medication, commonly also used to stabilize mood in individuals with bipolar disorder.
What is Lamictal?
This class of medications may become habit-forming and should not be used with alcohol or other sedating drugs as dangerously low respiration, heartbeat, and other functions may occur.
What are benzodiazepines?
True or False: Antidepressants may stimulate brain cell growth.
TRUE! these medications can stimulate brain cell growth in the hippocampus over time, which shrinks due to depression.
Name at least 2 examples of an SSRI (selective seratonin reuptake inhibitor).
Prozac (Fluoextine), Paxil (Paroxetene), Zoloft (Sertraline), Luvox (Fluvoxamine), Celexa (Citalopram).
With this mood stabilizer, blood levels are monitored to adjust dose as there is a narrow range between therapeutic and toxic levels. Adequate replacement of fluid and/or electrolytes necessary when taking this medication.
What is Lithium (Eskalith)?
QUETIAPINE - an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder.
What is Seroquel?
Chewing sugarless gum or candy, adequate hydration, artificial saliva.
True or False: 90% of serotonin is made in the brain.
FALSE! it is made in the gut.
What class of drug is Abilify (Aripiprazole)?
What drug class does Depakote belong to? & What mood disorder is it typically prescribed to treat?
HYDROXYZINE - an antihistamine medication that can treat allergic skin reactions and anxiety.
What is Atarax? What is Vistaril?
This is a serious drug reaction caused by a build-up of excess serotonin in the body. It can occur when you increase the dosage of a drug or start taking a new drug. Symptoms range from mild to severe.
What is Serotonin Syndrome?
True or False: Lithium can interfere with thyroid levels.
TRUE! Lithium has been link to hypothyroidism, as it can inhibit thyroid hormone production and release. Regular thyroid monitoring recommended when on Lithium.