ANSWER
Dear Colleagues,
It is important to note that when discussing medications used to treat depression and anxiety, each patient should be thoroughly evaluated and treated individually. While SSRIs such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) are commonly prescribed, they may not be effective for everyone.
ORDER WITH US AND GET FULL ASSIGNMENT HELP FOR THIS QUESTION AND ANY OTHER ASSIGNMENTS (PLAGIARISM FREE)
For example, according to a 2018 study published in The Lancet, many patients with depression do not respond to SSRIs and require alternative treatments (Cipriani et al., 2018). Other medications, such as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antipsychotics, and tricyclic antidepressants, may be considered in these cases.
It is also critical to consider the potential side effects of these medications, which can vary significantly. SSRIs, for example, have been linked to sexual dysfunction, weight gain, and gastrointestinal problems (Stahl, 2018). SNRIs can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in older people (Stahl, 2018). Atypical antipsychotics can cause significant weight gain and increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome (Stahl, 2018).
In a recent case, a patient has prescribed sertraline for depression but developed significant sexual dysfunction as a side effect. Following a discussion with the patient and the provider, the patient has been prescribed bupropion, which improved their depression symptoms without causing any sexual side effects. This emphasizes the importance of closely monitoring patients for side effects and being prepared to switch medications if necessary.
Healthcare providers must have open and honest discussions with their patients about each medication’s benefits and potential risks. Individual patient factors such as age, comorbid conditions, and history of side effects from previous medications can also have a significant impact on treatment selection.
Finally, it is critical to approach the treatment of depression and anxiety in a personalized manner, taking into account the patient’s unique needs and preferences. Providers should be willing to switch medications if necessary and regularly monitor for potential side effects.
References:
A. Cipriani, T. A. Furukawa, G. Salanti, A. Chaimani, L. Z. Atkinson, Y. Ogawa,… and S. Leucht (2018). A systematic review and network meta-analysis of the efficacy and acceptability of 21 antidepressant drugs for the acute treatment of adults with major depressive disorder. 1357–1366 in The Lancet, 391(10128).
S. M. Stahl (2018). Stahl’s essential psychopharmacology: neuroscientific foundations and clinical applications. The Cambridge University Press.
QUESTION
Please reply to the following discussion with one or more references. Participate in the discussion by asking a question, providing a statement of clarification, providing a point of view with a rationale, challenging an aspect of the discussion, or indicating a relationship between two or more lines of reasoning in the discussion. Cite resources in your responses to other classmates.
Responses must consist of at least 350 words (not including the greeting and the references), do NOT repeat the same thing your classmate is saying, try to add something of value like a resource, educational information to give to patients, possible bad outcomes associated with the medicines discussed in the case, try to include a sample case you’ve seen at work and discuss how you feel about how that case was handled. Try to use supportive information such as current Tx guidelines, current research related to the treatment, and anything that will enhance learning in the online classroom.
References must come from peer-reviewed/professional sources (No WebMD/Mayo Clinic or Wikipedia please!).
Discussion attached
Thanks