DISCUSSION 1
LP is a 43 yo female diagnosed with depression. She has no comorbidities but reports bouts of depression on and off since her teen years. She has never received drug therapy but now would like to try an antidepressant.
What medication would you treat this patient with and how long would you give to work before declaring the medication a success or failure?
What is the major mechanism of action for the following classes? SSRI TCA SNRI MAOIs
What is the major difference between the various classes with respect to side effects?
If the medication you picked in number one above failed or if side effects developed, what medication from a diff class would you pick and why?
DISCUSSION 2
KN is a 26 yo male with no comorbid disease state that was recently diagnosed with psychosis; a decision is being made to start an anti-psychotic.
What is the major difference between atypical antipsychotics and the older typical ones?
What medication would you treat this patient with and why?
In this case what would you monitor for with respect to efficacy and side effects of the medication you prescribed.
After 2 years of less than adequate response with various agents a decision was made to stop the antipsychotic and try lithium. What side effects must the APN monitor for in one taking lithium?
