Questions And Answers
What is the black box warning for antidepressants? Right Ans - increased
risk of suicide
Antidepressants - Duration of therapy? Right Ans - Initial response
develops in 1 to 3 weeks; Maximal responses in 12 weeks.
Antidepressants - when should medication be considered a failure? Right
Ans - Once it has been taken for 1 month without success
Antidepressants - suicidality potential Right Ans - Closely observe patients
taking antidepressants. as medication increases the risk for suicide
SSRI - drug interactions with MAOIs Right Ans - there needs to be a 5-week
elapse between stopping fluoxetine and starting SSRIs.
MAOIs increase 5-HT availability and greatly increase risk for serotonin
syndrome. MAOIs cause irreversible inhibition of monoamine oxidase their
effects persist long after dosing stops.
SNRI - Neurotransmitters affected by SNRIs Right Ans - block neuronal
reuptake of serotonin and NE, with minimal effects on other transmitters of
receptors.
SNRI - Venlafaxine discontinuation Right Ans - Abrupt discontinuation can
cause an intense withdrawal syndrome. Symptoms include anxiety, agitation,
tremors, headache, vertigo, nausea, tachycardia, and tinnitus.
SNRI - Venlafaxine discontinuation - Tapering Right Ans - Medication
should be tapered over 2-4 weeks to minimize withdrawal symptoms
SNRI - Venlafaxine side effect management - Right Ans - educate patient
not to stop taking abruptly and to report any thoughts of suicide or self-harm
Atypical antidepressants - Bupropion and drug interactions Right Ans -
drugs that inhibit CYP2B6 (sertraline, fluoxetine, and paroxetine) can elevate
bupropion levels, increasing the risk for seizures.