 |
| PREFERRED DRUGS FOR CLIENTS AT HIGH RISK FOR SUICIDE |
PREFERRED DRUGS FOR CLIENTS
AT HIGH RISK FOR SUICIDE
Suicide is always a primary consideration when treating
clients with depression. SSRIs, venlafaxine, nefazodone,
trazodone, and bupropion are often a better
choice for those who are potentially suicidal or
highly impulsive because they carry no risk of lethal
overdose in contrast to the cyclic compounds and the
MAOIs. Evaluation of the risk for suicide must continue
even after treatment with antidepressants is
initiated. The client may feel more energized but
still have suicidal thoughts, which increases the
likelihood of a suicide attempt. Also, because it often
takes weeks before the medications have a full therapeutic
effect, clients may become discouraged and
tire of waiting to feel better, which can result in suicidal
behavior.
