Antidepressants Flashcards
How long can in take to see imporvement in symptoms on antidepressants?
10 days to 4 weeks
May take longer in elderly
Anxiety may improve gradually over several weeks
What % of ppl feel better when in antidepressants?
65% - 2 weeks
25% - 2-4 weeks
20% after
WHat to explain to patients about antidepressants?
Don’t expect instant effect
May feel slightly worse before feeling better - transient side effects
WHen to offer a different antidepressant of it doenst work
After one month trial
How long do you treat a single episode of depression after remission?
6-9 months
What increases risk of relapse?
Each new episode
Symptoms of discontinuation of an SSRI
Dizziness, light head, vertigo, ataxia
N+V, diarrhoea
Lethargy, headahce, tremor, dweat, anorexia
Paraesthesia, numb, electric shock sensations
Irritability, anxiety, agitation, low mood
