Antidepressant Pharmacotherapy

Unit 5 Drug Reference Guide: Depression Page: Unit 5: Introduction (1 of 4) Page: Unit 5: Reading and Activities (2 of 4) Current: Unit 5: Assignment – Drug Reference Guide: Depression (3 of 4) Page: Unit 5: Summary (4 of 4) Introduction The effective treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders relies on a comprehensive understanding of antidepressant medications, their mechanisms of action, and their clinical applications. As psychiatric-mental health providers, it is essential to recognize how various pharmacologic classes influence neurotransmitter systems to alleviate mood symptoms while minimizing adverse effects. This activity strengthens evidence-based knowledge in antidepressant pharmacotherapy and supports safe, effective clinical decision-making in mental health practice. Instructions Follow the instructions below to complete this assignment: Download the Template: Drug Reference Chart Template Download Drug Reference Chart Template[Word] Complete all required information listed in the chart for the medications provided below: SSRI’s: Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Escitalopram, Paroxetine, Celexa MAOI: Phenelzine SPARI: Vilazodone SARI: Trazadone NDRI: Bupropion TCAs: Amitriptyline, Imipramine NEWER options: Spravato (Esketamine), Auvelity (Dextromethorphan/Bupropion) Ensure you reference Stahls Essential Psychopharmacology Prescribers Guide for accuracy and completeness. Please review the provided rubric prior to submission to confirm that all criteria are met. Assignment Resources Use the following resource to help with this assignment (optional): Drug Reference Chart Template Download Drug Reference Chart Template[Word] Submit Submission Format Use the Drug Reference Chart Template and keep the assignment in a Word format Please review the provided rubric prior to submission to confirm that all criteria are met Due Sunday by 11:59 p.m. CT Estimated time to complete: 3 hours Rubric NU670: Unit 5 Assignment – Drug Reference Guide NU670: Unit 5 Assignment – Drug Reference Guide Criteria Ratings Pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome: Medication Selection 2 pts Exemplary Accurately completes medications assigned by faculty; demonstrates clear understanding of each medications purpose and relevance to PMHNP practice. 1 pts Proficient Completes most assigned medications with generally accurate information; minor omissions noted. 0.5 pts Needs Improvement Missing several assigned medications or lacks clarity and completeness. 0 pts Absent No Submission 2 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome FDA Indications 2 pts Exemplary Clearly and accurately lists FDA-approved indications using proper terminology; includes age/population specifics when applicable. 1 pts Proficient Includes most FDA indications but lacks specificity or omits minor details. 0.5 pts Needs Improvement Indications incomplete, unclear, or inaccurate. 0 pts Absent No Submission 2 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Mechanism of Action 2 pts Exemplary Provides clear, concise, and accurate explanation demonstrating advanced understanding of pharmacodynamics and neurotransmitter activity. 1 pts Proficient Adequate explanation with minor gaps in accuracy or clarity. 0.5 pts Needs Improvement Limited or incorrect explanation of mechanism. 0 pts Absent No Submission 2 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Side & Adverse Effects 2 pts Exemplary Comprehensive and clinically prioritized list; identifies major risks and black box warnings where relevant. 1 pts Proficient Includes most effects with reasonable accuracy. 0.5 pts Needs Improvement Incomplete or inaccurate listing of effects. 0 pts Absent No Submission 2 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome: Required Tests / Labs 2 pts Exemplary Accurately identifies baseline and ongoing lab requirements with rationale for monitoring. 1 pts Proficient Includes key labs but lacks rationale or detail. 0.5 pts Needs Improvement Missing or incorrect lab information. 0 pts Absent No Submission 2 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Precautions & Contraindications 2 pts Exemplary Accurately lists major contraindications, precautions, and drug interactions; includes relevant population considerations. 1 pts Proficient Addresses most precautions and contraindications with minor omissions. 0.5 pts Needs Improvement Incomplete or inaccurate information. 0 pts Absent No Submission 2 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Dosage Range / Dosage 2 pts Exemplary Provides accurate dosage ranges, available dosage forms (tablet, capsule, liquid, IM, etc.), and routes of administration; includes titration or adjustment parameters where applicable. 1 pts Proficient Includes general dosing information or partial list of dosage forms with minor gaps. 0.5 pts Needs Improvement Incomplete, inaccurate, or missing dosage details. 0 pts Absent No Submission 2 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome: Accuracy & Use of Evidence 2 pts Exemplary All information is accurate, current, and evidence-based using Stahls Essential Psychopharmacology/Prescribers Guide or other scholarly psychopharmacology sources. 1 pts Proficient Mostly accurate with minor unsupported details. 0.5 pts Needs Improvement Contains multiple inaccuracies or lacks credible evidence. 0 pts Absent No Submission 2 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Organization & Professionalism 2 pts Exemplary Clear, well-organized, grammatically correct, and professionally formatted; easy to follow and visually clean. 1 pts Proficient Mostly organized and clear with few grammar or formatting errors. 0.5 pts Needs Improvement Disorganized, unclear, or unprofessional in presentation. 0 pts Absent No Submission 2 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome: Completeness & Submission Quality 2 pts Exemplary All sections of the template are completed thoroughly and thoughtfully; demonstrates attention to detail. 1 pts Proficient Most sections complete but lacking in depth or thoroughness. 0.5 pts Needs Improvement Several sections incomplete or missing required information. 0 pts Absent No Submission 2 pts Total Points: 20