Psych Flashcards
Danger Signals
S_____ Risk Factors
Acute S_____ Syndrome
Malignant ______ Syndrome
Suicide Risk Factors
Acute Serotonin Syndrome (Serotonin Toxicity)
Malignant Neuroleptic Syndrome
Suicide Risk Factors
- Older people who have recently lost a _____ (due to death or divorce)
- Plan involving a g___ or other lethal weapon
- H_____ of attempted suicide and/or family history of suicide
- M____ illness such as depression, bipolar disorder
- History of sexual, emotional, and/or physical ____
- T_____ illness, chronic illness, chronic p____
- Al____ abuse, s______ abuse
- Age 1__ to 2__ years or over age ___
- Older people who have recently lost a spouse (due to death or divorce)
- Plan involving a gun or other lethal weapon
- History of attempted suicide and/or family history of suicide
- Mental illness such as depression, bipolar disorder
- History of sexual, emotional, and/or physical abuse
- Terminal illness, chronic illness, chronic pain
- Alcohol abuse, substance abuse
- Age 15 to 24 years or over age 60
Suicide Risk Factors Cont.
Demographic subgroups: American I_____ and A_____ Native youth and middle-age persons have the highest rate of suicide; _____ Americans have the lowest suicide rate
Significant l____ (divorce, breakup with boyfriend/girlfriend, job loss, death of a loved one)
(1) gender make more attempts compared with (1) gender, but (1) gender are more likely to die by suicide
Elderly (1) gender who recently lost a partner are at highest risk of suicide
Demographic subgroups: American Indian and Alaska Native youth and middle-age persons have the highest rate of suicide; African Americans have the lowest suicide rate
Significant loss (divorce, breakup with boyfriend/girlfriend, job loss, death of a loved one)
Females make more attempts compared with males, but males are more likely to die by suicide
Elderly males who recently lost a partner are at highest risk of suicide
(1)
Occurs from high levels of serotonin accumulating in the body due to the introduction of a new drug (drug interaction) and an increase in the dose. Has acute onset with rapid progression.
Acute Serotonin Syndrome (Serotonin Toxicity)
Acute Serotonin Syndrome (Serotonin Toxicity)
The Hunter Toxicity Criteria Decision Rules
A patient must have taken a serotonergic agent and meet one of the following conditions:
- spontaneous cl_____
- inducible clonus plus ag_____ and di______
- o_____ clonus plus agitation or diaphoresis
- tr____ plus h____reflexia
- or h____tonia plus temperature >___C plus ocular clonus or inducible clonus.
The Hunter Toxicity Criteria Decision Rules
A patient must have taken a serotonergic agent and meet one of the following conditions:
- spontaneous clonus
- inducible clonus plus agitation and diaphoresis
- ocular clonus plus agitation or diaphoresis
- tremor plus hyperreflexia
- or hypertonia plus temperature >100.4°F (38°C) plus ocular clonus or inducible clonus.
Acute Serotonin Syndrome (Serotonin Toxicity)
Look for ____ pupils (mydriasis).
Higher risk if combining two drugs that both block serotonin (i.e., S____, M____, T____, tr____, tryptophan).
If switching to another drug affecting serotonin, wait a minimum of __ weeks.
Acute serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening reaction. Refer to ___.
Look for dilated pupils (mydriasis).
Higher risk if combining two drugs that both block serotonin (i.e., SSRIs, MAOIs, TCAs, triptans, tryptophan).
If switching to another drug affecting serotonin, wait a minimum of 2 weeks.
Acute serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening reaction. Refer to ED.
Malignant Neuroleptic Syndrome
=
Rare life-threatening idiopathic reaction from typical and atypical antipsychotics
Malignant Neuroleptic Syndrome Causes
It is most often seen with ____-potency, ____-generation antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine, haloperidol).
It can also be seen in _____ disease (parkinsonism hyperpyrexia syndrome) due to ______ of l-dopa or dopamine agonist therapy, dose reduction, or switching medications.
Syndrome usually develops following in_____ or a rapid in_____ in dose.
It is most often seen with high-potency, first-generation antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine, haloperidol).
It can also be seen in Parkinson disease (parkinsonism hyperpyrexia syndrome) due to withdrawal of l-dopa or dopamine agonist therapy, dose reduction, or switching medications.
Syndrome usually develops following initiation or a rapid increase in dose.
Malignant Neuroleptic Syndrome S/S
Sudden onset of high f____, muscular r_____, m_____status changes, dysautonomia (fluctuating (1) VS), and urinary ______.
Look for a history of mental illness and prescription of an (1)(s).
This is a potentially ___-threatening reaction. Mortality rate of 10% to 20%. Refer to ___ or call ____.
Sudden onset of high fever, muscular rigidity, mental status changes, dysautonomia (fluctuating blood pressure [BP]), and urinary incontinence.
Look for a history of mental illness and prescription of an antipsychotic(s).
This is a potentially life-threatening reaction. Mortality rate of 10% to 20%. Refer to ED or call 911.
(1)
This Act allows 72 hours (3 days) of involuntary detention for evaluation and treatment of persons who are considered at very high risk for suicide and/or hurting others
The Baker Act
Common Mental Health Questionnaires
- (1) Depression Inventory-II:* A multiple-choice self-report inventory for evaluating depression. Based on the theory that negative cognitions about the self and world in general can cause depression.
- (1):* The diagnostic manual for mental and emotional disorders created and used by the APA.
- (1):* A questionnaire used to evaluate an individual for confusion and dementia (e.g., Alzheimer’s, stroke)
- Beck Depression Inventory-II:* A multiple-choice self-report inventory for evaluating depression. Based on the theory that negative cognitions about the self and world in general can cause depression.
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5;* The diagnostic manual for mental and emotional disorders created and used by the APA.
- Folstein Mini-Mental State Exam* (MMSE): A questionnaire used to evaluate an individual for confusion and dementia (e.g., Alzheimer’s, stroke); see
Common Mental Health Questionnaires
- (1):* A 30-item (yes/no response) questionnaire. Shorter version contains 15 items. Used to assess depression in the elderly. Self-assessment format.
- (1):* A 7-item screening tool for helping to identify patients with anxiety. Is a valid and efficient tool (89% sensitivity and 82% specificity). The higher the score, the higher the anxiety level. Severe anxiety (15 or higher), moderate anxiety (10 points), and mild anxiety (5 points).
- Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS):* A 30-item (yes/no response) questionnaire. Shorter version contains 15 items. Used to assess depression in the elderly. Self-assessment format.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item (GAD 7) Scale:* A 7-item screening tool for helping to identify patients with anxiety. The GAD 7 is a valid and efficient tool (89% sensitivity and 82% specificity). The higher the score, the higher the anxiety level. Severe anxiety (15 or higher), moderate anxiety (10 points), and mild anxiety (5 points).
Folstein Mini-Mental State Exam
(1) : What is the date today? (current day, month, year) Location? (name of the city, county, state)
(1) : Instruct patient that you will be testing their memory; say three unrelated words (pencil, apple, ball); ask patient to repeat words
(1) : Say “Starting at 100, count backward and keep subtracting 7.” Say “Spell the word world backward.”
(1): Give person one blank piece of paper and ask them to write a sentence
Draw intersecting pentagons; ask patient to copy the pentagons
Orientation: What is the date today? (current day, month, year) Location? (name of the city, county, state)
Immediate Recall: Instruct patient that you will be testing their memory; say three unrelated words (pencil, apple, ball); ask patient to repeat words
Attention and Calculation: Say “Starting at 100, count backward and keep subtracting 7.” Say “Spell the word world backward.”
Writing and Copying: Give person one blank piece of paper and ask them to write a sentence
Draw intersecting pentagons; ask patient to copy the pentagons
Folstein Mini-Mental State Exam Scoring
Max Score =
Score indicating impairment
Maximum score is 30 correctly done
Score of <19 indicates impairment
(1)
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
Risperidone (Risperdal)
Quetiapine (Seroquel)
Atypical Antipsychotics
Second-generation antipsychotics are serotonin-dopamine antagonists and are also known as atypical antipsychotics.
Atypical Antipsychotics AE
Olanzapine (Zyprexa), Risperidone (Risperdal), Quetiapine (Seroquel)
O_____
D_____ type 2
Obesity
Diabetes type 2
Atypical Antipsychotics Monitoring
Olanzapine (Zyprexa), Risperidone (Risperdal), Quetiapine (Seroquel)
All can cause ____ gain
Check B _ _
Check weight every __ months
All can cause weight gain
Check BMI
Check weight every 3 months
(1)
Haloperidol (Haldol), chlorpromazine
Typical Antipsychotics
First-generation antipsychotics are dopamine receptor antagonists (DRA) and are known as typical antipsychotics
Typical Antipsychotics AE
Haloperidol (Haldol), Chlorpromazine
Elevates l_____/tr______
E _ _ effects*
T_____ dyskinesia*
___ prolongation
Sudden _____
(1) syndrome (rare)
Elevates lipids/triglycerides
Extrapyramidal effects*
Tardive dyskinesia*
QT prolongation
Sudden death
Malignant neuroleptic syndrome (rare)
Typical Antipsychotics Monitoring
Haloperidol (Haldol), Chlorpromazine
Labs: Fasting blood g____ and l____ profile
Black Box Warning: Frail elderly are at higher risk of ____ from antipsychotics
Look for E_____ symptoms such as dys____, p_____sonism, ak____ (inability to stay still), t_____ dyskinesia
Labs: Fasting blood glucose and lipid profile
Black Box Warning: Frail elderly are at higher risk of death from antipsychotics
Look for extrapyramidal symptoms such as dystonia, parkinsonism, akathisia (inability to stay still), tardive dyskinesia
(1)
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Valproate (Depakote)
Anticonvulsants
Anticonvulsants AE
(1)
Stevens–Johnson syndrome (Lamictal)
Anticonvulsants Monitoring
Advise patient to report r____ (Stevens–Johnson); some anticonvulsants are also used as a ____ stabilizer for ____disorder
Monitor serum (1) concentration
Check serum (1) acid concentration
Advise patient to report rashes (Stevens–Johnson); some anticonvulsants are also used as a mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder
Monitor serum carbamezapine concentration
Check serum valproic acid concentration
(1)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Citalopram (Celexa)
Escitalopram (Lexapro)*
SSRIs
SSRIs AE
Sertraline (Zoloft), Paroxetine (Paxil), Citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro)*
All SSRIs can cause s_____ dysfunction
Highest risk of er______ dysfunction (ED)
El_____ on multiple drugs, less risk of drug interactions
All SSRIs can cause sexual dysfunction
Highest risk of erectile dysfunction (ED)
Elderly on multiple drugs, less risk of drug interactions
SSRI’s Monitoring
Black Box Warning:
Do not discontinue _____ abruptly; wean gradually
Black Box Warning: All SSRIs may cause suicidal ideation/plans (<24 years of age)
Do not discontinue Paxil abruptly; wean gradually
(1)
Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
Buproprion (Zyban)
Atypical Antidepressants
Atypical Antidepressants AE, Monitoring
Bupropion (Wellbutrin), Buproprion (Zyban)
AE (1)
Monitoring = CI in (1) disorders, an____, bu_____, can be used for (1) cessation
AE = Seizures
Monitoring = Contraindicated with seizures disorder, anorexia, or bulimia, For smoking cessation
(1)
Venlafaxine (Effexor)
Duloxetine (Cymbalta**)
SNRIs
SNRIs AE
Venlafaxine (Effexor), Duloxetine (Cymbalta**)
Can precipitate acute narrow-angle _______
Bio______reduced by 33% in smokers
Can precipitate acute narrow-angle glaucoma
Bioavailability reduced by 33% in smokers
SNRIs Monitoring
Venlafaxine (Effexor), Duloxetine (Cymbalta**)
Avoid with uncontrolled (1)
Do not take 5 days before or 14 days after M____, lin____, sel_____, IV methylene ____
Avoid with uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma
Do not take 5 days before or 14 days after MAOI, linezolid, selegiline, IV methylene blue
(1)
Amitriptyline (Elavil)
Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
Doxepin (Sinequan)
TCAs
TCAs AE
Amitriptyline (Elavil), Nortriptyline (Pamelor), Doxepin (Sinequan)
Anti______ effects
Category ___
Anticholinergic effects
Category X
TCAs Monitoring
Amitriptyline (Elavil), Nortriptyline (Pamelor), Doxepin (Sinequan)
Do not combine with (1) or (1), as they will increase risk of serotonin syndrome
Do not combine with SSRIs or MAOIs, as they will increase risk of serotonin syndrome
Lithium
Lithium carbonate (Eskalith)
Indication (1)
AE (1)*
Contraindicated if sodium de_____, de_____, significant r____ or cardiovascular disease
Check serum trough level when?
Used for bipolar disorder;
“Ebstein’s anomaly” is congenital heart defect caused by lithium
Contraindicated if sodium depletion, dehydration, significant renal or cardiovascular disease
Check serum trough level 12 hours after last dose
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
First line treatment for
(4)
Major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Common Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
- (1) (Prozac):* Longest half-life of all SSRIs and the first SSRI (useful for noncompliant patients)
- (1):* Shortest half-life
- (1) (Celexa):* Has fewer drug interactions compared with other SSRIs
- (1) (Lexapro):* Compound derived from citalopram (Celexa)
- Other SSRIs:* _____ (Zoloft), ______(Luvox)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac):* Longest half-life of all SSRIs and the first SSRI (useful for noncompliant patients)
- Paroxetine (Paxil):* Shortest half-life
- Citalopram (Celexa):* Has fewer drug interactions compared with other SSRIs
- Escitalopram (Lexapro):* Compound derived from citalopram (Celexa)
- Other SSRIs:* Sertraline (Zoloft), fluvoxamine (Luvox)
SSRI Side Effects
Causes loss of l_____ in men and women, er_____ dysfunction, an____, ins_____.
Avoid with an_____ patients and undernour_____ elderly (depresses appetite more).
Paroxetine (Paxil): Common side effect is (1) dysfunction
_____ SSRIs over 2 to 4 weeks prior to discontinuation.
(1) is the most likely to cause symptoms and may need to be discontinued for a period of 3 to 4 weeks or longer.
Causes loss of libido in men and women, erectile dysfunction, anorexia, insomnia.
Avoid with anorexic patients and undernourished elderly (depresses appetite more).
Paroxetine (Paxil): Common side effect is erectile dysfunction.
Taper SSRIs over 2 to 4 weeks prior to discontinuation.
Paroxetine is the most likely to cause symptoms and may need to be discontinued for a period of 3 to 4 weeks or longer.
SSRI Side Effects
(1) is least likely to cause discontinuation syndrome because of its long elimination half-life; it can be tapered over 1 to 2 weeks.
_____ discontinuation may precipitate dysphoria, fatigue, chills, myalgias, headache, dizziness, gastrointestinal distress. Discontinuation syndrome occurs in 20% to 30%.
Fluoxetine is least likely to cause discontinuation syndrome because of its long elimination half-life; it can be tapered over 1 to 2 weeks.
Abrupt discontinuation may precipitate dysphoria, fatigue, chills, myalgias, headache, dizziness, gastrointestinal distress. Discontinuation syndrome occurs in 20% to 30%.
SSRI Contraindications
Avoid SSRIs within 14 days of taking an (1) (serotonin syndrome).
Can induce _____ with bipolar patients.
Avoid SSRIs within 14 days of taking an MAOI (serotonin syndrome).
Can induce mania with bipolar patients.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Do we use TCAs for depression?
Other uses: Postherpetic _____ (chronic pain), urinary _______.
Avoid if patient at high risk for _____ because they may hoard pills and overdose.
Overdose will cause fatal cardiac (ventricular ______) and neurologic effects (_____).
Examples:
Not considered first-line treatment for depression.
Other uses: Postherpetic neuralgia (chronic pain), urinary incontinence.
Avoid if patient at high risk for suicide because they may hoard pills and overdose (suicide attempt).
Overdose will cause fatal cardiac (ventricular arrhythmia) and neurologic effects (seizures).
Examples: Doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Norpramin)
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors
Increased available serotonin and _______* in the brain
______ (Cymbalta): Can treat generalized anxiety disorder, fibromyalgia, depression, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy; smoking reduces bioavailability by 33%
______ (Effexor)
______ (Pristiq)
Increased available serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain
Duloxetine (Cymbalta): Can treat generalized anxiety disorder, fibromyalgia, depression, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy; smoking reduces bioavailability by 33%
Venlafaxine (Effexor)
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
MAOIs
Clinical Indication =
_______ (Nardil), _______ (Parnate)
Do not combine with S____, T___, monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B; selegiline [Eldepryl]), _____receptor agonists (e.g., sumatriptan [Imitrex], zolmitriptan [Zomig]).
Rarely used due to serious food (high tyramine content) and drug interactions
Phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate)
Do not combine with SSRIs, TCAs, monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B; selegiline [Eldepryl]), serotonin receptor agonists (e.g., sumatriptan [Imitrex], zolmitriptan [Zomig]).
MAOIs CI
Do not combine MAOI with S____ or T___
Wait at least 2 weeks before initiating SSRI or TCA (high risk of (1)).
Do not combine MAOI with SSRI or TCA.
Wait at least 2 weeks before initiating SSRI or TCA (high risk of serotonin syndrome).
High-Tyramine Foods and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
The combination can cause the tyramine pressor response (elevates BP, risk of stroke); avoid combining with f_______ foods such as beer, Chianti w___, some aged ____, fava ____.
High-tyramine foods can also cause _____ headache in susceptible persons.
The combination can cause the tyramine pressor response (elevates BP, risk of stroke); avoid combining with fermented foods such as beer, Chianti wine, some aged cheeses, fava beans.
High-tyramine foods can also cause migraine headache in susceptible persons.
Benzodiazepines (Tranquilizers)
Benzodiazepines are indicated for a_____ disorders, p____ disorder, and in_____.
_______ (Valium) is also used for severe alcohol withdrawal and seizures.
Do not discontinue abruptly because it increases risk of ______; wean ____.
Benzodiazepines are indicated for anxiety disorders, panic disorder, and insomnia.
Diazepam (Valium) is also used for severe alcohol withdrawal and seizures.
Do not discontinue abruptly because it increases risk of seizures; wean slowly.
Benzodiazepines (Tranquilizers) Examples
- (1) acting:* Midazolam IV only (Versed), triazolam (Halcion)
- (1) acting:* Alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan)
- (1) acting:* Diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), temazepam (Restoril), and clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Ultra–short acting:* Midazolam IV only (Versed), triazolam (Halcion)
- Medium acting:* Alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan)
- Long acting:* Diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), temazepam (Restoril), and clonazepam (Klonopin)
Major and Minor Depression
Also known as _____ depression (vs. bipolar depression).
Minor depression is a m____ form. The criteria of signs and symptoms are the same as major depression except that there are f____ symptoms (at least ___, but less than ____).
Attributed to dysfunction of the neurotransmitters (1) and (1). Has a strong g______ component.
Also known as unipolar depression (vs. bipolar depression).
Minor depression is a milder form. The criteria of signs and symptoms are the same as major depression except that there are fewer symptoms (at least two, but less than five).
Attributed to dysfunction of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. Has a strong genetic component.
Depression Symptoms
- Mood:* ______ mood most of the time; may become tearful
- An______:* Diminished interest or pleasure in all or most activities
- Energy:* F_____ or loss of energy
- Sleep:* ____somnia or _____somnia
- G______:* Feelings of worthlessness and inappropriate guilt
- Concentration:* Dim_______ concentration and difficulty making decisions
- S______:* Recurrent/obsessive thoughts of death and suicidal ideation
- Weight:* Weight ____ (>5% body weight) or weight _____
- Ag_______:* Psychomotor agitation or retardation
- Mood:* Depressed mood most of the time; may become tearful
- Anhedonia:* Diminished interest or pleasure in all or most activities
- Energy:* Fatigued or loss of energy
- Sleep:* Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Guilt:* Feelings of worthlessness and inappropriate guilt
- Concentration:* Diminished concentration and difficulty making decisions
- Suicide:* Recurrent/obsessive thoughts of death and suicidal ideation
- Weight:* Weight loss (>5% body weight) or weight gain
- Agitation:* Psychomotor agitation or retardation
Immediate Goal: Assess for Suicidal and/or Homicidal Ideation or Plan
If patient is considered to be a real and present threat of harm to self or others:
Refer to a psychiatric h_____. Patient must be driven by?
If none are available, call ____ for police. The police can “_____ Act” the patient. What is this act?
If patient is considered to be a real and present threat of harm to self or others:
Refer to a psychiatric hospital. Patient must be driven by a family member or friend.
If none are available, call 911 for police. The police can “Baker Act” the patient. A Baker Act proceeding is a means of providing emergency services for mental health treatment (72 hours) on a voluntary or involuntary basis.
Depression Differential Diagnosis
Rule out organic causes, such as hypo______, an_____, auto_____ disorders, vitamin ____deficiency.
Rule out organic causes, such as hypothyroidism, anemia, autoimmune disorders, vitamin B12 deficiency.
Screening Tools for Depression
- Beck Depression Inventory:* Contains ____ items
- Beck Depression Inventory for Primary Care (99% specificity):* Contains ____ items
- Two-item question:* Ask the following two questions. If answers yes to either question (or both), positive finding.
- During the past month, have you felt?
- During the past month, have you felt?
- Beck Depression Inventory:* Contains 21 items
- Beck Depression Inventory for Primary Care (99% specificity):* Contains seven items
- Two-item question:* Ask the following two questions. If answers yes to either question (or both), positive finding.
- During the past month, have you felt down, depressed, or hopeless?
- During the past month, have you felt little interest or pleasure doing things?
Depression Labs
Complete blood count (CBC), chemistry profile, (1) hormone, F____ and (1) levels, urinalysis (UA)
Rule out organic causes; _____ screen to rule out illicit drug use if at risk
Complete blood count (CBC), chemistry profile, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), folate and vitamin B12 levels, urinalysis (UA)
Rule out organic causes; toxicology screen to rule out illicit drug use if at risk
Depression Treatment Plan
Rule out diseases such as an______, diabetes, _____thyroid (TSH/thyroid panel), chemistry panel (low potassium for Addison’s disease), and vitamin ____ anemia.
Refer for_____ therapy. (1)* can reduce symptoms (comparable to an antidepressant medication) and is usually effective; if necessary, refer to psychiatrist or psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). If psychotic, refer to the ___.
(1) + (1) work better than either method alone.
Rule out diseases such as anemia, diabetes, hypothyroid (TSH/thyroid panel), chemistry panel (low potassium for Addison’s disease), and vitamin B12 anemia.
Refer for psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce symptoms (comparable to an antidepressant medication) and is usually effective; if necessary, refer to psychiatrist or psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP). If psychotic, refer to the ED.
Psychotherapy plus antidepressants work better than either method alone.
Depression First Line Medication
(1)
Advise patients that antidepressant effect may take from ___ to ___ weeks (up to 12 weeks) to manifest.
SSRIs are also first-line therapy for el______ patients because they have fewer side effects.
SSRIs
Advise patients that antidepressant effect may take from 4 to 8 weeks (up to 12 weeks) to manifest.
SSRIs are also first-line therapy for elderly patients because they have fewer side effects.
SSRIs for Depression
Initiation of medications for elderly and patients with renal and hepatic disorders should be?
After initiation, follow up when to check for compliance and side effects?
How long should you continue SSRIs for once symptoms have resolved?
Frequent relapse means patient may need ____time treatment.
Initiation of medications for elderly patients and patients diagnosed with renal or hepatic disorders should begin at a low dose and increased slowly and gradually as tolerated.
After initiation, follow up in 2 weeks to check for compliance and side effects.
Continue SSRI therapy for at least 4 to 9 months after symptoms have resolved (usually on first episode)
Frequent relapse means patient may need lifetime treatment.
- Other Antidepressants* for Depression
(1) (amitriptyline [Elavil], nortriptyline [Pamelor]).
What is the preferred time of day to dose them, why?
Other uses (3)
Avoid TCAs with suicidal patients, why?
TCAs (amitriptyline [Elavil], nortriptyline [Pamelor]).
Prefer bedtime dosing due to sedation.
Other uses are postherpetic neuralgia, chronic pain, stress urinary incontinence.
Avoid TCAs with suicidal patients, because they may hoard the pills and take an overdose (causes fatal arrhythmia).
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Black Box Warning:
There is increased risk of death in ______ (with dementia) on antipsychotic drugs such as ______ (Haldol) and _______ (Thorazine).
There is increased risk of death in elderly (with dementia) on antipsychotic drugs such as haloperidol (Haldol) and chlorpromazine (Thorazine).