Antidepressant / general useful info

Question 1

What are common discontinuation symptoms for a/ds?

Answer 1

Onset within 5 days
Flu-like symptoms, insomnia, agitation, irritability, vivid dreams
Reduce slowly to reduce severity, usually mild and self-limiting

Question 2

What caution must be taken when taking MAOIs?

Answer 2

Avoid tyramine-containing foods as these can cause HTN
eg cheese, cured and processed meat

Question 3

When can PTSD be diagnosed?

Answer 3

> 4 weeks after the event
(<4 weeks = acute stress disorder)

Question 4

What other drug class should be avoided when taking SSRIs?

Answer 4

Triptans - sumatriptan = migraine management

Question 5

When is ECT indicated?

Answer 5

Life-threatening major depression

Question 6

What is the key distinction between bipolar Types I + II?

Answer 6

Type I = mania with psychosis, impaired functioning
Type II = hypomania, no psychosis, able to function

Question 7

How long must disturbed sleep be present for a diagnosis of insomnia?

Answer 7

3 months