Question

Drugs used as first line treatment for major depressive disorder include a. lithium b. neosporin c. olanzapine d. fluoxetine e. chlordiazepoxide

Short answer

Answer: Fluoxetine

Step-by-step solution

Identify the function of lithium

Lithium is a mood stabilizer and widely used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It can help manage the symptoms of both mania and depression, but it is not typically classified as a first line treatment for major depressive disorder.

Identify the function of neosporin

Neosporin is an antibiotic ointment that is applied on the skin to prevent infections in minor cuts, scrapes, or burns. It is not a drug to treat mental health disorders.

Identify the function of olanzapine

Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic drug primarily used in the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Although it can be used to treat depressive episodes in bipolar disorder, it is not a first line treatment for major depressive disorder.

Identify the function of fluoxetine

Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) which is commonly prescribed for the treatment of depression, including major depressive disorder. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which helps improve mood and reduce feelings of depression.

Identify the function of chlordiazepoxide

Chlordiazepoxide is a benzodiazepine that is primarily used for the short-term treatment of anxiety and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It is not used as a first line treatment for major depressive disorder.

Choose the correct answer

Based on the descriptions provided for each drug, we can determine that the correct answer is: d. Fluoxetine

Key concepts

Mood Stabilizer

A mood stabilizer, like lithium, plays a crucial role in managing mood disorders, particularly bipolar disorder. These medications work by decreasing abnormal activity in the brain and can be a lifesaver for those who experience extreme shifts in mood. While invaluable for stabilizing manic and depressive episodes in bipolar disorders, mood stabilizers are not typically the first choice for treating major depressive disorder (MDD). MDD is often better addressed with medications specifically targeting depressive symptoms, allowing for a more tailored and effective treatment approach.

Antibiotic Ointment

Products like Neosporin are antibiotic ointments that find their use in antiseptic wound care. Their primary function is to prevent bacterial infections in minor external injuries, and they are an essential item in first-aid kits. However, it's important to underscore that these ointments are not related to treating mental health conditions. Their inclusion in the context of depression is a common misunderstanding, highlighting the need to differentiate between physical and mental health treatments.

Atypical Antipsychotic

Olanzapine falls under the category of atypical antipsychotics, which are newer than typical antipsychotics and often preferred due to fewer side effects. These drugs are primarily used in the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, offering relief from a range of symptoms including delusions, hallucinations, and mood swings. Although sometimes used as an adjunct treatment for major depressive disorder, they are not the standard first line of treatment. Rather, they may be employed when there is a co-occurring psychotic feature or for depression within the context of bipolar disorder.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like fluoxetine, are a class of drugs commonly prescribed as the first line of treatment for major depressive disorder. An SSRI works by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain, a neurotransmitter tied to mood, emotions, and sleep. By preventing the reuptake of serotonin, these medications help enhance mood and reduce the symptoms of depression. Their effectiveness, along with a more manageable side effect profile compared to older antidepressants, has made them a standard in depression care.

Benzodiazepine

Chlordiazepoxide is a benzodiazepine, a type of medication primarily used to treat anxiety and as a sedative before surgeries or procedures. Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, leading to sedation, muscle relaxation, and reduced anxiety. While they can be effective for short-term use, they are not recommended as a first line treatment for major depressive disorder due to risk of dependency and withdrawal issues. It's essential to be informed of their appropriate use to avoid potential misuse.