My Medication Study Guide by

Antidepressants

fabianrodriguez2_ — 2023-12-03 20:19:01 UTC

Antidepressants are medications used to treat depression. In some cases, health care providers may prescribe antidepressants to treat other health conditions such as anxiety, pain, and insomnia.

Commonly prescribed types of antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs)

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

fabianrodriguez2_ — 2023-12-03 20:20:23 UTC

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a widely used type of antidepressant. They're mainly prescribed to treat depression, particularly persistent or severe cases, and are often used in combination with a talking therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

fabianrodriguez2_ — 2023-12-03 20:22:05 UTC

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are a class of medications that are effective in treating depression. SNRIs are also sometimes used to treat other conditions, such as anxiety disorders and long-term (chronic) pain, especially nerve pain.

norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs).

fabianrodriguez2_ — 2023-12-03 20:22:59 UTC

Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) are antidepressant medications that block the action of specific transporter proteins, increasing the amount of active norepinephrine and dopamine neurotransmitters throughout the brain.

Esketamine

fabianrodriguez2_ — 2023-12-03 20:26:16 UTC

newer FDA-approved medication for treatment-resistant depression.

esketamine is delivered as a nasal spray in a health care provider’s office, a clinic, or a hospital. It often acts rapidly—typically within a couple of hours—to relieve depression symptoms

Anti-Anxiety Medications

fabianrodriguez2_ — 2023-12-03 20:28:20 UTC

Anti-anxiety medications help reduce symptoms of anxiety, such as panic attacks and extreme fear and worry.

Many medications commonly used to treat depression—including SSRIs and SNRIs—may also be used to treat anxiety. In the case of panic disorder or social anxiety disorder, health care providers typically start with SSRIs or other antidepressants as the first treatment because they have fewer side effects than other medications.

benzodiazepines

fabianrodriguez2_ — 2023-12-03 20:32:11 UTC

Another common type of anti-anxiety medication is benzodiazepines. These medications are sometimes used to treat generalized anxiety disorder.

beta-blockers

fabianrodriguez2_ — 2023-12-03 20:34:41 UTC

beta-blockers can be used to reduce severe anxiety

Buspirone

fabianrodriguez2_ — 2023-12-03 20:38:19 UTC

is a different type of medication that is sometimes used to treat anxiety over longer periods

Stimulants

fabianrodriguez2_ — 2023-12-03 20:40:43 UTC

Prescription stimulants typically improve alertness and focus for most people, regardless of diagnosis. These medications can markedly improve daily functioning for people with significant focus problems, such as people with ADHD.

timulant medications can be helpful for adults with ADHD, as well as for children and adolescents with ADHD.

Antipsychotics

fabianrodriguez2_ — 2023-12-03 20:45:40 UTC

Antipsychotic medications are typically used to treat psychosis, a condition that involves some loss of contact with reality. People experiencing a psychotic episode often experience delusions (false beliefs) or hallucinations (hearing or seeing things others do not see or hear). Psychosis can be related to drug use or a mental disorder such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression (also known as “psychotic depression”).

First Gen Vs. New Gen antipsychotic medications

fabianrodriguez2_ — 2023-12-03 20:49:40 UTC

Older, first-generation antipsychotic medications are sometimes called “typical” antipsychotics or “neuroleptics.” Long-term use of typical antipsychotic medications may lead to a condition involving uncontrollable muscle movements called tardive dyskinesia (TD). TD can range from mild to severe. People who think they might have TD should check with their health care provider before stopping their medication.

Newer, second-generation medications are sometimes called “atypical” antipsychotics. Several atypical antipsychotics may be used to treat a broader range of symptoms compared with older medications. For example, these medications are sometimes used to treat bipolar depression or depression that has not responded to antidepressant medication alone. Health care providers may ask people taking atypical antipsychotic medications to participate in regular monitoring to check weight, glucose levels, and lipid levels.

Mood Stabilizers

fabianrodriguez2_ — 2023-12-03 20:51:10 UTC

Mood stabilizers are typically used to treat bipolar disorder and mood changes associated with other mental disorders. In some cases, health care providers may prescribe mood stabilizers to augment the effect of other medications used to treat depression.

Lithium

fabianrodriguez2_ — 2023-12-03 20:52:08 UTC

an effective mood stabilizer, is approved for the treatment of mania and maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder.

BEHAVIORAL TAILORING

fabianrodriguez2_ — 2023-12-03 21:02:31 UTC

What is Behavioral tailoring?

Behavioral tailoring (BT) is a cognitive-behavioral, recovery-oriented set of strategies that helps individuals with mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders meet personal goals.

These strategies include developing a routine and modifying one’s environment to promote and support a change in behavior. While this clinical tip focuses specifically on medication management, BT is also used to support changes in housekeeping, hygiene, substance use, exercise, and other behaviors.

THE STEPS OF BEHAVIORAL TAILORING

fabianrodriguez2_ — 2023-12-03 21:03:37 UTC

Begin with a conversation identifying the individual’s goal(s). Ask questions about strengths, needs, supports, and interests.
Explore the individual’s daily routine and environment, including routines, meals, activities, responsibilities, and hygiene practices. This exploration helps identify ways medication can be incorporated into their routine, as well as cues that can prompt the behavioral change.
Based on the individual’s routine and environmental cues, collaboratively develop a BT strategy that supports the identified goal.
Model or demonstrate the BT strategy for the individual in session.
Encourage the individual to practice the BT strategy in session, using role-play whenever possible.
Develop a strategy the individual can practice
in-between sessions.
In the following session, explore whether the BT strategy is helpful or needs adjusting.

References:

fabianrodriguez2_ — 2023-12-03 21:06:43 UTC

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Mental health medications. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications

Behavioral tailoring for medication management and beyond. Center for Practice Transformation. (2022, May 19). https://practicetransformation.umn.edu/practice-tools/behavioral-training-medication-management-and-beyond/