Medical IDs for antidepressants

Medical IDs for Antidepressants

The confidence to live with antidepressant medication

Medical IDs are used for a number of potentially life-threatening health conditions. Even conditions that do not fall under the cardiac or pulmonary spectrum may cause significant damage. Certain psychiatric conditions that lead to medication side effects can affect a patient’s safety.

 

That’s why a medical ID for antidepressants is critical for people on this medication for long periods of time.

How MedicAlert protects those living with antidepressants

One thing you shouldn’t worry about is what could happen if there’s an emergency. MedicAlert’s protection plans offer benefits that extend beyond the ID, providing safety and peace of mind for people taking antidepressants.

24/7 Emergency Response

Our team provides first responders the information they need to provide fast, accurate care.

Digital Health Profile

All your vital information, all in one place for you and your caregiver.

Emergency Contact Notification

In an emergency, we connect families so that no one is alone in a crisis.

Patient Instructions

Share the information that’s important to your care, such as use of rescue medications or contraindication for tests like MRIs.

Pair a medical ID for antidepressants with the protection plan that’s right for you.

Are Mental Health Conditions Dangerous?

Mental health conditions can be dangerous for a few different reasons. Untreated psychiatric conditions can lead to the development of long-term physical issues. As a result of chronic anxiety and depression, individuals are at an increased risk for gastrointestinal issues and self-harm. Long-term exposure to cortisol has been known to cause an increase in heart rate and chest pain. Without treatment, a psychiatric disorder can wreak havoc on the central nervous system as well as the mind.

Mental health issues that are treated, however, can also cause medical emergencies. Prescription drugs for insomnia, depression, psychosis, and memory can be potentially dangerous for people of all ages. 

What Are The Side Effects of Antidepressants?

There are now several different types of antidepressants available. Regardless of their method, they are typically used to balance levels of neurotransmitters. Common Chemicals that are impacted by various antidepressants include serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Depending on the medication, many drugs can stay in the body for several days. 

SNRIs are one form of antidepressant that is commonly prescribed by both psychiatrists and general practitioners. This class of drugs works by increasing both serotonin and norepinephrine levels. By focusing on norepinephrine in addition to serotonin, SNRIs can create a fluctuation in moods. It is not uncommon for patients to experience euphoria in addition to panic.

Some of the side effects of SNRIs include panic attacks and physical weakness. If the drug is stopped suddenly, patients can experience symptoms of withdrawal. 

Examples of SNRIs:

  • Desvenlafaxine
  • Duloxetine 
  • Levomilnacipran
  • Milnacipran
  • Levomilnacipran 

SSRIs are another popular category of antidepressants. SSRIs focus on boosting serotonin levels, but not norepinephrine. Side effects range from fatigue to a potentially dangerous rash. It is never advised to quit without tapering because the withdrawal symptoms can cause suicidal thoughts and extreme anxiety.

Examples of SSRIs: 

  • Citalopram
  • Escitalopram
  • Fluoxetine
  • Sertraline
  • Paroxetine
  • Extended-release venlafaxine 

When either of these types of antidepressants are mixed with alcohol, the side effects become increasingly tense. One particular antidepressant, Bupropion, is known to exacerbate the risk of seizures. Driving after one or two drinks can increase the odds of an emergency.

What to engrave on MedicAlert medical IDs for antidepressants:

MedicAlert offers free custom engraving on all our antidepressants bracelets and medical ID products. Engravings on medical IDs for antidepressants should include any critical medical information that can protect and save lives in an accident or medical emergency, for example:

  • Antidepressant medication(s)
  • Medical conditions
  • Medications
  • Allergies
  • Implanted devices
  • Any medical information that needs to be communicated to first responders
medical IDs for antidepressants

Sample engraving. Consult our team if you need help engraving your medical ID for antidepressants.

Antipsychotic medication side effects

Antipsychotics are strong medications that are used for a few different purposes. Some of these drugs are prescribed to help dementia while others are prescribed for psychosis and depression. Regardless of the reason, they are prescribed, these prescriptions do have side effects.

Uncontrollable movements are not uncommon. This includes movement in the jaw, lips, and tongue. Many antipsychotics can cause seizures and cardiac arrhythmias. Sudden cardiac death can occur.

Examples of Antipsychotics:

  • Risperidone 
  • Quetiapine
  • Olanzapine
  • Paliperidone
  • Aripiprazole
  • Clozapine

There are two main categories of antipsychotic meds. Typical antipsychotics are considered first-generation antipsychotic drugs and tend to have a significant amount of side effects. Loss of motor control, body rigidity, and muscle cramping are frequently associated with this class of drugs. 

Atypical antipsychotics have fewer side effects, but can still greatly impact the body. Atypical side effects include extreme weakness, muscle stiffness, and lethargy.

Dangerous side effects can happen quickly and with little warning. To provide all the necessary information for the best care, medical IDs for antidepressants are often worn at home and in public.

What Are Barbiturates?

Barbiturates are used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Although certain antidepressants can ease anxiety, barbiturates work in a different way, depressant way.

This type of drug is known to have addictive qualities and is not often prescribed for generalized anxiety. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, vertigo, and low blood pressure. In high doses, it can lead to unconsciousness and breathing difficulties. An overdose on barbiturates is extremely dangerous and needs to be immediately treated. 

Examples of Barbiturates:

  • Amobarbital
  • Butabarbital
  • Butalbital
  • Phenobarbital
  • Primidone
  • Thiopental
  • Secobarbital
  • Methohexital
  • Mephobarbital 

Barbiturates are frequently used in pill form. Injectable forms do exist and are categorized as class A drugs. If used with alcohol, this can cause severe and sudden health consequences.

How medical IDs for antidepressants combined with MedicAlert Membership provide peace of mind

If a patient is prescribed a high dose of antipsychotics, they may feel fatigued and physically weak. If a seizure has occurred from drinking alcohol with antidepressants, this can render an individual unconscious. Accurate medical information is still needed at this stage of the emergency and can make a critical impact on a person’s life. 

Drinking alcohol with benzodiazepines or barbiturates is also not recommended for patients. Individuals are much more likely to feel dizzy and memory lapses have occurred. If an individual is in a black-out state, they may not remember important phone numbers or the right dosage of medication they are prescribed. This is where medical IDs for antidepressants come in.

  • We’re your voice:  If you can’t speak for yourself due to a seizure or other medical emergency, your ID will speak for you – informing others about your antidepressants and any other medications you’re taking.

  • 24/7 emergency protection:  In an emergency, the MedicAlert team will relay all of your critical medical information to first responders, no matter where or when your emergency happens.

  • Always connected:  You should never be alone in an emergency. That’s why MedicAlert will reach out to your designated contacts if you are unable to do so.

  • Live with peace of mind and confidence:  MedicAlert will be there for you every step of the way. You’ll have the confidence and freedom to live your life with antidepressant medication, knowing we’ve got you covered. 
DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The information in this article is presented for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.