NICHE
When
choosing an antidepressants knowing and utilizing the drugs special areas of
effectiveness “NICHE” and it’s unique ADVANTAGES along with it’s side
effect profile assist in choosing. This
chart and narrative explain a few of them.
|
DRUG |
"NICHE" |
ADVANTAGES |
| SSRI's |
-Effective in most depressions. -Safe in cardiac conduction problems, glaucoma & BPH |
Low amount of anticholinergic side effects |
|
Mirtazapine (Remeron) |
-Insomnia, anorexia | + weight gain, sleep |
|
Bupropion (Wellbutrin) |
-Effective for lethargy & apathy or history of mania. If poor response to other classes & in cardiac dz. |
-Stimulating -Smoking cessation
|
|
Psycho-stimulants (Methylphenidate) |
-Effective in apathy in medically ill with
depressed mood. -Can combine with other antidepressants short term |
-Rapid onset -Low risk addiction -Minimal side effects |
|
Venlafaxine (Effexor) |
-Severe depression, assoc. with generalized anxiety, neuropathic pain or if poor response to other treatments |
-Efficacious for severe depression |
| Duloxetine (Cymbalta) | -Diabetic neuropathy |