Antidepressant Treatment and Avoiding Adverse Events
Antidepressant Treatment and Avoiding Adverse Events
Mental-health disorders, such as depression, are common and can have devastating effects on patients. Pharmacists may be significantly burdened by the management of adverse effects that result from the pharmacologic treatment of depression. Potential adverse effects include suicidal thoughts, sexual dysfunction, discontinuation syndrome, and serotonin syndrome. Pharmacists can play a crucial role in helping patients achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes while avoiding or minimizing the occurrence of these adverse effects. Patient education and appropriate monitoring are effective for achieving desired therapeutic outcomes and preventing potential adverse drug events.
Mental health is a significant issue affecting the U.S. population. In 2012, an estimated 43.7 million persons aged 18 years and older—18.6% of all U.S. adults—had a mental illness. According to National Comorbidity Study data, the lifetime prevalence of experiencing any mood disorder, including depression or bipolar disorder, exceeds 20%. Pharmacologic agents often are required in the treatment of mental-health disorders. However, these medications may cause troubling adverse effects. This article highlights key adverse drug events, including hallmark drug-drug interactions, that may be associated with psychotropic medications used to treat depression. Useful strategies for minimizing risks associated with these agents are also discussed.
Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Mental-health disorders, such as depression, are common and can have devastating effects on patients. Pharmacists may be significantly burdened by the management of adverse effects that result from the pharmacologic treatment of depression. Potential adverse effects include suicidal thoughts, sexual dysfunction, discontinuation syndrome, and serotonin syndrome. Pharmacists can play a crucial role in helping patients achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes while avoiding or minimizing the occurrence of these adverse effects. Patient education and appropriate monitoring are effective for achieving desired therapeutic outcomes and preventing potential adverse drug events.
Introduction
Mental health is a significant issue affecting the U.S. population. In 2012, an estimated 43.7 million persons aged 18 years and older—18.6% of all U.S. adults—had a mental illness. According to National Comorbidity Study data, the lifetime prevalence of experiencing any mood disorder, including depression or bipolar disorder, exceeds 20%. Pharmacologic agents often are required in the treatment of mental-health disorders. However, these medications may cause troubling adverse effects. This article highlights key adverse drug events, including hallmark drug-drug interactions, that may be associated with psychotropic medications used to treat depression. Useful strategies for minimizing risks associated with these agents are also discussed.
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