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Choose one antipsychotic medication and one Antidepressive

Sent to Health Experts July 26 2006 at 7:25 PM
   

Choose one antipsychotic medication and one Antidepressive medication. For each of them describe in detail how the medication works. What are the expected positive effects? What is a possible negative side effect?

 

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July 27 2006 at 6:03 AM (10 hours and 38 minutes and 37 seconds later)
         
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Were you also requesting me on this one.
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4ren6 -- Medical Forensics -- 100% Positive Feedback on 918 Health Accepts
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July 27 2006 at 6:24 AM (20 minutes and 54 seconds later)
         
Reply to 4ren6's Post: Yes I'm requesting your help on this question. Thanks Paula

Edited by Customer (name blocked for privacy) on July 27 2006 at 6:25 AM
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July 27 2006 at 6:26 AM (2 minutes and 3 seconds later)
         
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Ok your showing Emily t27 as being requested. Not 4ren6. You will need to clarify if possible.

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4ren6 -- Medical Forensics -- 100% Positive Feedback on 918 Health Accepts
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July 27 2006 at 6:43 AM (17 minutes and 4 seconds later)
         
Reply to 4ren6's Post: On this one lets go with Emily27 since she's already listed.
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July 27 2006 at 6:45 AM (1 minute and 53 seconds later)
         
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Ok, she does have a good Psychology background. Later.
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4ren6 -- Medical Forensics -- 100% Positive Feedback on 918 Health Accepts
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July 27 2006 at 6:50 AM (4 minutes and 9 seconds later)
         
Reply to 4ren6's Post: Thanks for your help and understanding. Paula
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July 27 2006 at 2:27 PM (7 hours and 37 minutes and 12 seconds later)
         
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Hi Paula-

Thanks for requesting me again! Sorry I'm only now getting to this question - I've had a crazy day!

There are many "new" antipsychotic medications on the market today - they were first introduced in the 1990's and have an increadible impact on the ability of people with psychotic disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, schizophreniform) to function in society has been remarkable.

One such antipsychotic medication is Abilify. Abilify is approved by the FDA to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The exact reason why Abilify (or any antipsychotic medication) works to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder is unknown. Scientists believe, however, that Abilify works by adjusting two different neurtransmitters - dopamine and serotonin. The positive effects associated with Abilify include an almost immediate decrease in the symptoms associated with schizophrenia, including no longer hearing voices, more energy and motivation, clearer/more rational thinking and fewer delusions.


One of the best aspects of the new antipsychotic medications such as Abilify is the decrease in serious side effects associated with the medication. Older antipsychotics had some fairly debilitating side effects (such as tremors), which caused many people who would have benefited from the medication to stop taking it. Abilify, however, has fewer side effects, and side effects that are more manigable. These include: headache (32% of users experienced this), anxiety (25%), insomnia (24%), nausea (14%). Only 9% of takers experienced tremors - a marked decrease from older medications.

Antidepressants work in a similar fashion to antipsychotics, in that they help a neurotransmitter (in this case just serotonin) in the brain function better. One example of an antidepressant is Lexapro. Lexapro is approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder. This drug is considered elective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (or SSRI) and works by increasing the output of serotonin. The positive effects of Lexapro in a patient with depression is remarkable: within a week or so, patients feel much less depressed, have more energy and are able to focus better.

Side effects associated with Lexapro are usually well tolerated (especially compared with older antidepressants), and include a decreased libido, difficulties ejaculating, fatigue and tiredness (or "somnolence"). Studies show that only about 4% of users stop taking Lexapro due to side effects (compared to other antidepressants this is statistically significant).


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EsquireEmily -- Counselor with advanced degrees -- 100% Positive Feedback on 488 Health Accepts
General medical experience + sexual and mental health. Worked in hospitals and clinics.
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