Antidepressants

Question 1

SSRI

Answer 1

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

most commonly prescribed antidepressant

Question 2

Function on SSRI

Answer 2

block the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin into neurons. Makes more serotonin available to improve transmission of messages between neurons.
Called selective because they mainly affect serotonin, not other neurotransmitters.

Question 3

TRUE/FALSE

SSRIs may also be used to treat conditions other than depression, such as anxiety disorders.

Answer 3

TRUE

Question 4

Side-effects of SSRI

Answer 4

Dizziness
Changes in sexual behavior 
Anhedonia
Nausea/ vomiting
Headache
Apathy
Drowsiness or somnolence
Bruxism 
Extremely vivid and strange dreams
Fatigue

Question 5

TRUE/FALSE

SEROTONIN-NOREPINEPHRINE REUPTAKE INHIBITORS (SNRIS) have different side-effects than SSRI

Answer 5

FALSE

Question 6

TRUE/FALSE

NOREPINEPHRINE-DOPAMINE REUPTAKE INHIBITORS (NDRIS) can be used to treat sexual dysfunction and weight gain

Answer 6

TRUE

Question 7

SEROTONIN SYNDROME

Answer 7

Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening drug reaction that causes the body to have too much serotonin.

Question 8

Why does serotonin syndrome occur?

Answer 8

When two drugs that affect the body’s level of serotonin (eg SSRI combined with other serotonergic drugs) are taken together at the same time. The drugs cause too much serotonin to be released or to remain in the brain area.

Question 9

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome

Answer 9

Agitation or agitation 
Diarrhea
Fast heartbeat
Hallucinations
Increased body temperature
Loss of coordination
Nausea and vomiting 
Overactive reflexes
Rapid changes in blood pressure