Update ) Advanced
Pharmacology for Care of the Family
| Questions and Answers | Grade A
| 100% Correct – Chamberlain
Question:
Antidepressant drugs- black box warning
Answer:
Early on treatment is at increased risk for suicide in children, adolescents and
adults younger than 25 years
Question:
antidepressant drugs- duration of therapy
Answer:
After symptoms are in remission treatment should continue for at least 4 to 9
months to prevent relapse.
,Question:
antidepressant drugs- management of treatment- resistant depression
Answer:
Increase dosage
Switch to another drug in the same class
Switch to another drug in a different class
Add a second drug, such as an atypical antidepressant
Question:
antidepressant drugs- time course of response
Answer:
Slowly
Initial response 1-3 weeks
Maximal response can take up to 12 weeks
Question:
antidepressant drugs- suicidality potential
Answer:
Observed closely for suicidality, worsening mood, and unusual changes in
behavior (especially during the first few months and during a dosage change)
,Question:
SSRI drug interaction with MAOIs
Answer:
MAOIs increase 5-HT availability and increase the risk for serotonin
syndrome and is contraindicated
Question:
SSRI side effect management
Answer:
Sexual dysfunction- reducing dosage, taking drug holidays (discontinue on
Fridays and Saturdays) or add a drug that can overcome the problem
Serotonin syndrome- immediately discontinue and symptoms should resolve
Question:
SNRI neurotransmitters that are affected
Answer:
Block neuronal reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine
, Question:
SNRIs vs SSRIs
Answer:
SSRIs are better tolerated and safer
Question:
SNRIs- venlafaxine discontinuation
Answer:
Abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal syndrome
Dosage should be tapered over 2-4 weeks to discontinue
Question:
Atypical antidepressant drugs- bupropion drug interactions
Answer:
Drugs that inhibit CYP2B6 (sertraline, fluoxetine, paroxetine) can elevate
drug levels and increase the risk for seizures and should be avoided
MAOIs can increase the risk for toxicity (discontinue MAOIs at least 2 weeks
before starting)