SSRI Flashcards

1
Q

What are the common side effects of SSRIs?

A

Common side effects of SSRIs include nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, headache, and sexual dysfunction.

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2
Q

What are the uses of SSRIs?

A

SSRIs are commonly used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

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3
Q

True or False: SSRIs are the first-line treatment for depression.

A

True

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4
Q

Fill in the blank: SSRIs work by increasing the levels of __________ in the brain.

A

serotonin

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5
Q

What is serotonin often referred to as?

A

The ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter

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6
Q

What is a serious but rare side effect of SSRIs?

A

Serotonin syndrome

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7
Q

Which demographic group may be at higher risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts when taking SSRIs?

A

Adolescents and young adults

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8
Q

What should patients do if they experience severe side effects while taking SSRIs?

A

Contact their healthcare provider immediately

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9
Q

What is the black box warning associated with SSRIs?

A

The increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults

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10
Q

True or False: SSRIs can interact with other medications, leading to potentially dangerous side effects.

A

True

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11
Q

What is the most common type of anxiety disorder that SSRIs are used to treat?

A

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

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12
Q

What is the main advantage of SSRIs over older antidepressants?

A

They have fewer side effects and are safer in overdose

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13
Q

What is the recommended duration of treatment with SSRIs for depression?

A

At least 6 to 12 months after symptoms improve

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14
Q

What should patients avoid while taking SSRIs to prevent interactions?

A

Avoid consuming alcohol

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15
Q

What is the common initial side effect experienced by patients when starting SSRIs?

A

Nausea

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16
Q

True or False: SSRIs are considered addictive.

A

False

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17
Q

What is the mechanism of action of SSRIs?

A

They block the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, leading to increased serotonin levels

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18
Q

What is the primary goal of using SSRIs in the treatment of depression?

A

To alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life

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19
Q

What is the most commonly prescribed SSRI in the United States?

A

Sertraline (Zoloft)

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20
Q

What is the main difference between SSRIs and SNRIs?

A

SSRIs primarily target serotonin reuptake, while SNRIs target both serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake

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21
Q

What is the potential risk of discontinuing SSRIs abruptly?

A

Withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and fatigue

22
Q

True or False: SSRIs can be used to treat eating disorders.

A

True

23
Q

What should patients do if they miss a dose of their SSRI medication?

A

Take the missed dose as soon as they remember, unless it is close to the time for the next dose

24
Q

What is the primary benefit of using SSRIs in the treatment of anxiety disorders?

A

They help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and improve overall functioning

25
Q

What does SSRI stand for?

A

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor

26
Q

Name one common SSRI medication.

A

Fluoxetine

27
Q

What is the black box warning for SSRIs?

A

Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults.

28
Q

True or False: SSRIs are primarily used to treat anxiety disorders.

A

True

29
Q

List two side effects of SSRIs.

A

Nausea and insomnia

30
Q

Fill in the blank: SSRIs are primarily prescribed for _____ and depression.

A

anxiety

31
Q

What is the mechanism of action of SSRIs?

A

They increase serotonin levels in the brain by inhibiting its reuptake.

32
Q

Name a side effect that may occur after discontinuing SSRIs.

A

Withdrawal symptoms

33
Q

What is the generic name for the SSRI marketed as Prozac?

A

Fluoxetine

34
Q

True or False: SSRIs can cause sexual dysfunction.

A

True

35
Q

Which SSRI is known to be effective for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

A

Fluvoxamine

36
Q

What is the black box warning specifically related to children and adolescents taking SSRIs?

A

Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

37
Q

Name one SSRI that is often prescribed for panic disorder.

A

Sertraline

38
Q

Fill in the blank: SSRIs are often used in combination with _____ for treatment-resistant depression.

A

psychotherapy

39
Q

True or False: All patients tolerate SSRIs in the same way.

A

False

40
Q

Which SSRI is commonly used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)?

A

Paroxetine

41
Q

What is a common side effect of SSRIs related to appetite?

A

Weight gain

42
Q

What should patients be monitored for when starting SSRIs?

A

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

43
Q

Name one SSRI that is also used to treat social anxiety disorder.

A

Escitalopram

44
Q

Fill in the blank: SSRIs may take _____ weeks to show their full effect.

A

4 to 6

45
Q

True or False: SSRIs can be safely used during pregnancy.

A

False (they should be used with caution)

46
Q

What is the brand name of sertraline?

A

Zoloft

47
Q

Name one potential drug interaction with SSRIs.

A

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

48
Q

What is a rare but serious side effect of SSRIs?

A

Serotonin syndrome

49
Q

True or False: SSRIs are the first-line treatment for major depressive disorder.

A

True

50
Q

What is the generic name of the SSRI marketed as Lexapro?

A

Escitalopram