Rasmussen Questions And Answers

Anxiety Medications - Benzodiazepines Atypical Anxiolytics SSRIs Benzodiazepines - Alprazolam (Xanax); diazepam, lorazepam (many end with -pam except chlordiazepoxide) Indications: Anxiety, seizures, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal, and induce/ maintain anesthesia Side effects: Sedation, amnesia, dependency/ withdrawal, respiratory depression Key points: Short-term use only! Do not discontinue abruptly; antidote is flumanzenil Atypical Anxiolytics - Buspirone (BuSpar) Indications: Anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, PTSD Side effects: Dizziness, nausea, headache Key points: No sedation; dependency not likely, long-term use okay; full effects not felt for several weeks; take with meals to decrease GI upset SSRIs - Paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline, fluoxetine (many end with -ine) Indications: Anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD Side effects: Sexual dysfunction, weight gain, insomnia Key points: Watch for serotonin syndrome! Do NOT take with St John's wort, increases the risk for serotonin syndrome; full effects not felt for up to a month Serotonin Syndrome (SS) - Symptoms: Agitation, hallucinations, fever, diaphoresis, tremors; do NOT take with St John's wort, increases the risk for serotonin syndrome; full effects not felt for up to a month Depression Medications - SSRIs Atypical Antidepressants Tricyclic Antidepressants