Medications for Anxiety and Depression

Introduction

• Presenter: Cathy from Level Up RN
• Topics: Medications for anxiety and depression, including SSRIs and SSNRIs
• Includes a quiz at the end

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

• Common Medications: Paroxetine, Sertraline, Fluoxetine
• Uses: Treat anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD
• Mechanism: Inhibit reuptake of serotonin, increasing its levels in the brain
• Key Interactions:
  • St. John's Wort increases serotonin levels, risking serotonin syndrome
• Serotonin Syndrome Symptoms:
  • Agitation, fever, muscle rigidity, tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, diaphoresis
• Common Side Effects:
  • Sexual dysfunction, weight gain, insomnia
• Onset: Full effects may take several weeks

Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SSNRIs)

• Common Medications: Duloxetine, Venlafaxine
• Uses: Treat anxiety, depression, neuropathic pain
• Mechanism: Inhibit reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine
• Key Interactions:
  • St. John's Wort increases serotonin syndrome risk when combined
• Common Side Effects:
  • Fatigue, insomnia, GI upset (nausea, constipation), decreased libido
• Cool Chicken Hint: "I don't need a deluxe apartment to be happy. I just need to take duloxetine for my depression."

Quiz Questions

1. Question: Patients can expect to feel the full effects of an SSRI within three to five days. True or False?

   • Answer: False. It can take several weeks.

2. Question: Taking St. John's Wort with an SSRI or SSNRI increases the risk of what serious complication?

   • Answer: Serotonin syndrome

3. Question: Sexual dysfunction is a common side effect of SSRIs and SSNRIs. True or False?

   • Answer: True

Conclusion

• Encouragement to like and subscribe if the video was helpful
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