We review the start of antidepressant therapy, particularly with regards to the New Medicine Service....

 

Objectives

After completing this module, you should be more aware of:

·       the prevalence of common mental health conditions and depression;

·       how antidepressant prescribing has been increasing;

·       the antidepressants targeted by the New Medicine Service in England;

·       differences between each medicines’ indication(s) for depressive illness;

·       other licensed indications and off-label uses of antidepressants, which may affect suitability for the NMS;

·       how antidepressants fit into the wider therapeutic approach to managing depression;

·       considerations for prescribers before initiating a patient on an antidepressant;

·       expected timings of patient consultations after starting an antidepressant;

·       aspects to consider discussing in patient risk assessment, management and reviews;

·       common side effects for patients to be aware of when starting on an antidepressant;

·       the need to ask patients directly about suicidal ideation before prescribing and early on in treatment;

·       contraindications with other drugs and other health conditions;

·       safety issues in the elderly and in late pregnancy.