Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Question 1

Side effects of SSRIs

Answer 1

Agitation, akathisia, anxiety, panic, insomnia, diarrhea, gastrointestinal distress, headache
Sexual dysfunction: delayed ejaculation or impotence (male); anorgasmia (female)

Question 2

How is Serotonin syndrome characterized and avoided?

Answer 2

Confusion, muscle rigidity, high temperature, muscle twitching, shivering, LoC, may be fatal. Like neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Should not be combined with MAOI and SSRI should be discontinued at least 5 weeks before starting an MAOI.

Question 3

Fluoxetine: class, halflife

Answer 3

SSRI, 1-3d

Question 4

Sertraline: class, halflife, outstanding side effect

Answer 4

SSRI, 25h, cause diarrhea more commonly than orthers

Question 5

Paroxetine: class, halflife, outstanding side effect

Answer 5

SSRI, 24h, mildly anticholinergic, high levels of sexual side effects

Question 6

Fluvoxamine: class, halflife, outstanding side effect

Answer 6

SSRI, 15h, nausea and vomiting more common

Question 7

Citalopram: class, halflife, outstanding side effect

Answer 7

SSRI, 35h, possibly fewer sexual side effects

Question 8

Escitalopram: class, halflife

Answer 8

SSRI, 27-30h