Know how to switch patients from one class of antidepressants to another. i.e MAOI or TCA ect
Know the major side effects, adverse reactions, drug interactions, comorbid medical conditions that would be relative contraindications for use, applicable lab tests to order when the medication is prescribed and during treatment, the neurotransmitters and receptors they work on, pregnancy risk, and mechanism of action of the following medications:
Amitriptyline
Bupropion
Carbamazepine
Citalopram
Clomipramine
Divalproex
Duloxetine
Escitalopram
Fluoxetine
Fluvoxamine
Gabapentin
Lamotrigine
Lithium
Paroxetine
Sertraline
Trazodone
Venlafaxine
Be able to identify and distinguish between psychiatric emergencies such as serotonin syndrome and neuroleptic malignant syndrome and how to manage these emergencies
Know the main differences (common/expected side effects, indications, potentially major adverse events, use in special populations such as elderly/pregnancy) among SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, and TCAs.
Explain the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, including what parts of the brain are involved.
Explain why atypical antipsychotics might be used in nonpsychotic mania.
Know the therapeutic blood levels for divalproex and lithium; how you should educate the patient about when and how to get blood drawn; signs of toxicity for each; and what to do if the level is high.
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