Overview of Analytic Medications

• Analytic medications aim to reduce anxiety and other mental health disorders.

Disorders Treated

• General Anxiety Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Phobias

Difference Between Disorder and Phobia

• Disorder: A broader category including various forms of anxiety affecting daily life.
• Phobia: An irrational fear of specific objects or situations. May seem irrational generally but feels rational to the individual with the phobia.

Types of Medications

Categories of Medications

1. CNS (Central Nervous System) Depressants

   • Treat anxiety and restlessness.
   • Can cause severe side effects including sedation and can lead to coma if overdosed.

2. Benzodiazepines

   • Treat anxiety, seizure disorders, alcohol withdrawal, and muscle relaxation.
   • Examples: Diazepam (Valium) - often used for pre-surgery anxiety relief.
   • Phenobarbital: Older medication with narrow therapeutic range; less commonly used due to severe potential side effects (including death).

Antidepressants

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

  • Examples include Celexa, Fluoxetine (Prozac), Zoloft.

• Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

  • Affect norepinephrine and serotonin levels, enhancing mood but taking longer than SSRIs.

Barbiturates

• Older sedative class; lower usage due to severe side effects.
• Examples: Phenytoin used for seizure disorders, must be monitored closely.

Mood Stabilizers

• For bipolar disorder and schizophrenia; most commonly Lithium.
• Regular lab checks to avoid toxicity; has a small therapeutic range.

Antipsychotic Medications

• Treat psychotic disorders, disorganized thoughts: Includes Fluoxetine and Clozapine.

Understanding Seizures

• Can range from petit mal (small seizures, subtle symptoms) to grand mal (tonic-clonic seizures).
• Treatment includes medications such as Tegretol and Luminal.

GABA and Benzodiazepines

• GABA is a neurotransmitter that reduces seizure activity. Benzodiazepines enhance the effect of GABA.
• Common examples include Valium.

Depression

• Defined clinically by symptoms including insomnia, loss of appetite, avoidance of companionship, decreased interest, and deep despair.
• Categories of antidepressants:
  • MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors): Can cause critical hypertension with tyramine-rich foods (e.g., aged cheese, processed meats).
  • Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): Affect norepinephrine and serotonin, often used for depression and insomnia.
  • SSRIs and SNRIs: First line due to fewer side effects.

Antidepressant Side Effects

• Can include worsening depression or anxiety, increased suicidal thoughts, and withdrawal symptoms upon cessation.
• Patients may feel stigmatized for needing antidepressants; however, seeking help for mental illness is important and nothing to be ashamed of.

Narcolepsy

• Characterized by sudden onset of sleep without warning, can occur in various settings.
• Medications prescribed to promote wakefulness.

Substance Use and Mental Health Interaction

• Alcohol: CNS depressant that can exacerbate anxiety and lead to further health issues. Risks include confusion, electrolyte imbalances, and permanent CNS damage.

Documentation in Mental Health Care

• Essential to document reasons for medication prescription correctly to protect against future accountability or inquiries.
• Effective communication and detailed record-keeping are critical in mental health treatment.