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Antidepressant medications in cancer patients
Author(s) -
Chaturvedi Santosh K.,
Maguire Peter,
Hopwood Penelope
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.2960030110
Subject(s) - constipation , medicine , antidepressant , adverse effect , sedation , drug reaction , distressing , cancer , drug , psychiatry , anesthesia , anxiety , chemistry
The patterns of psychotropic medications usage were analysed in 146 cancer patients consecutively referred to an urban psychiatric facility. Antidepressants were prescribed for 67%. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were noted in 34%, the commonest ADRs were sedation, dry mouth, restlessness and constipation. The ADRs were selflimiting and tolerable in 16% and severe and intolerable in 17%. Most patients (80%) receiving antidepressants showed a good clinical response in terms of amelioration of psychological symptoms. Most patients found relief from distressing psychological symptoms; the majority did not suffer significant adverse effects.