selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (fluoxetine)

Question 1

What are the indications of SSRIs?

Answer 1

depression, bulimia, OCD, menopausal symptoms

Question 2

What are the contraindications of SSRIs?

Answer 2

poorly epilepsy, mania

Question 3

What is the mechanism of action of SSRIs?

Answer 3

increased levels of serotonin (neurotransmitter) in the brain by stopping it being reabsorbed at nerve cell, this block of reuptake means there is more serotonin available to pass messages between nerve cells

Question 4

What are the common side effects of SSRIs?

Answer 4

abdominal pain, constipation, decreased sex drive, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, insomnia, dyspepsia

Question 5

What are the monitoring requirements of SSRIs?

Answer 5

none

Question 6

Treatment cessation in SSRIs?

Answer 6

rebound depression, gastrointestinal disturbances, sweating, headache, anxiety, dizziness, fatigue, sleep disturbances

Question 7

Patient and carer advice for those on SSRIs?

Answer 7

takes 2-4 weeks to work. drowsiness may affect performance in driving and skilled tasks. avoid drinking alcohol as it can quickly lead to sedation. reduce dose slowly to prevent rebound depression

Question 8

Typical and atypical antidepressants?

Answer 8

typical are older school antidepressants - tricyclic and mono amine oxidase inhibitors, ending in -tyline and -amine. toxic in overdos.

atypical are newer antidepressants - SSRIs and SNRIs