Weekly Comment – 22 Feb 16 : Addressing antidepressant expectations
February 22, 2016
APPROXIMATELY 50% of
people with depression respond
to treatment with the first
antidepressant trialled. As
pharmacists are often the first
point of contact by a patient
starting medication, they play
an important role in providing
adequate information about
antidepressants and depression,
as well as support and monitoring
to help treatment adherence and
maximise recovery.
Patients receiving a prescription
for an antidepressant may express
concerns about potential adverse
effects. Pharmacists can help
by providing advice both on
possible adverse effects and on
treatment expectations. A good
approach is to ask the patient
what they understand about their
treatment and address any gaps in
knowledge. Pharmacists can also
monitor for treatment response,
remembering that noticeable
beneficial effects may take weeks
to occur.
When a patient is switching
or discontinuing from an
antidepressant, highlight the
importance of compliance with any
recommended switching regime
and encourage patients to discuss
any discontinuation symptoms.
Being partners in mental health
care, pharmacists can enhance
their level of support to people on
antidepressants by taking part in
the NPS MedicineWise Pharmacy
Practice Review, Depression:
Optimising antidepressant use,
available in April 2016.
This week’s contributor is Sarah Spagnardi, Pharmacist and Media Spokesperson, NPS MedicineWise.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 22 Feb 16To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 22 Feb 16
