Activating and Sedating Properties of Medications Used for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder and Their Effect on Patient Functioning

Authors

Leslie L. Citrome, New York Medical CollegeFollow
Roger S. McIntyre
J. Sloan Manning
Diane McIntosh

DOI

10.4088/JCP.lu18052ah1

Journal Title

The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry

First Page

LU18052ah1

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

April 2019

Department

Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

Although the sedative and extrapyramidal side effects associated with first-generation antipsychotics are well known, some second-generation antipsychotics are also associated with substantial sedation and activation effects. In this Academic Highlights article, 4 experts on depression from the fields of psychiatry and primary care take a closer look at activation and sedation effects of atypical antipsychotics in patients with MDD. They examine the likelihood of each agent to cause these effects; the impact of these effects on patient functioning, quality of life, and treatment adherence; and the question of whether leveraging activation and sedation to address acute symptoms is ever advisable.

Recommended Citation

Citrome, L. L., McIntyre, R., Manning, J., & McIntosh, D. (2019). Activating and Sedating Properties of Medications Used for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder and Their Effect on Patient Functioning. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 80 (3), LU18052ah1. https://doi.org/10.4088/JCP.lu18052ah1