Summary of ATOMOXETINA / FANNY PSIQUIATRA ACLARA EL MEDICAMENTO

Summary of Wellness Strategies, Self-Care Techniques, and Productivity Tips from the Video "ATOMOXETINA / FANNY PSIQUIATRA ACLARA EL MEDICAMENTO"

Key Points about Atomoxetine (Tomoe Dina):

• Primary Use:
  • Treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children (6 years and older) and adults.
  • Used as a second-choice medication when first-line treatments like Methylphenidate or synthetic amphetamines are unsuitable (e.g., history of substance use, anxiety disorders).
  • Also used as an adjunct to enhance antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant depression.
• Mechanism of Action:
  • Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.
  • Increases norepinephrine and dopamine levels mainly in the prefrontal cortex, improving attention, judgment, and higher mental functions.
• Treatment Expectations and Tips:
  • Atomoxetine is a slow-acting medication; it may take 6 to 8 weeks to notice improvements.
  • Patience is essential; do not discontinue prematurely if no immediate effects are felt.
  • Look for small improvements initially, such as better concentration for short periods or fewer forgetful moments.
  • Dose adjustments may be necessary based on response and weight.
  • Consistent daily intake is crucial—do not skip doses or take irregularly.
• Combination with Other Treatments:
  • Can be combined with antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, mirtazapine) to enhance treatment response.
  • May be combined with mood stabilizers or antipsychotics (e.g., Quetiapine) when needed.
  • Combination with stimulants like Methylphenidate or Modafinil is possible but less common and usually reserved for treatment-resistant cases.
  • Psychotherapy is strongly recommended alongside medication for better outcomes.
• Side Effects and Safety:
  • Generally well tolerated; less appetite suppression compared to Methylphenidate.
  • Possible side effects include fatigue, sedation, and increased heart rate.
  • Safe for patients with a history of substance abuse since it has no abuse potential and is not a controlled substance.
  • Not contraindicated in hypertension but requires monitoring due to norepinephrine effects.
  • Medication should not be split; finish current doses before switching to new dosages.
• Additional Advice:
  • ADHD diagnosis should generally not be made before age 6.
  • Atomoxetine is not addictive and is easier to prescribe due to lack of abuse potential.
  • Small behavioral changes should be noted as signs of improvement rather than expecting drastic immediate effects.
  • Medication adherence and ongoing communication with the psychiatrist are key to success.
  • Patients with anxiety disorders may benefit from Atomoxetine over stimulants due to less anxiety exacerbation.

Wellness and Productivity Tips Highlighted:

• Patience and Consistency:
  • With slow-acting medications like Atomoxetine, maintain consistent daily use and allow sufficient time (6-8 weeks) before evaluating effectiveness.
• Behavioral Awareness:
  • Track small improvements in daily functioning (e.g., ability to focus for short periods, less forgetfulness) as positive signs.
• Combination Approach:
  • Use medication alongside psychotherapy for comprehensive treatment and improved mental health outcomes.
• Medication Management:
  • Follow prescribed doses carefully, avoid skipping doses, and communicate with healthcare providers about any concerns or side effects.
• Understanding Medication Effects:
  • Educate yourself about how medications work (e.g., neurotransmitter targets) to better understand their benefits and limitations.

Presenters / Sources

• Fanny, Psychiatrist and host of the live broadcast
• References to medical literature:
  • Essential Psychopharmacology by Stal
  • The Prescriber’s Guide (psychotropic drugs guidebook)

This summary captures the main wellness strategies, medication management advice, and productivity tips discussed by Dr. Fanny regarding Atomoxetine use in ADHD and depression treatment.

Notable Quotes

— 11:27 — « If we cannot pay attention, our lives are going to be literally complicated, my dear friends, so pay close attention to this transmission. »

— 13:16 — « You need not just a little bit but a kilogram of patience if you are going to take atomoxetine because if not, it could be that you unintentionally boycott the treatment when you say I am not going to take it anymore because it is not working for me. »

— 14:53 — « Start to identify small changes. For example, before I couldn't even read a page of a book because really that happens to people who have attention deficit. And now at least I can concentrate for a little while, about 15 minutes, about 10 minutes. »

— 17:30 — « Patients are not going to be taking the medication. They take it from time to time. Oh, you have to take it daily, daily, daily, daily, not every third day, not once a week, do not stop it on the weekends. You have to take it daily. »

— 21:32 — « Sedation or fatigue in children is something that can cause a decrease in appetite. Interestingly, it is something that does not happen so much for example a child who did not eat with methylphenidate because it took away his appetite can change to atomoxetine, regularly that is not going to happen. »

Category

Wellness and Self-Improvement

Video