SSRI Drugs

Question 1

Selective Seretonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRIs)

Answer 1

Therapeutic class: Antidepressant; Anxiolytic
Examples:
Escitalopram ( Lexapro) 
Setraline (Zoloft) 
fluoxetine ( Prosac) 
citalopram ( celexa) 
paroxetine (Paxil)

Question 2

SSRIs Mechanism of action

Answer 2

increases availability of serotonin at specific postsynaptic receptor sites in CNS

Inhibits reuptake of serotonin in the brain

Question 3

Actions and uses

Answer 3

Increases availability of serotonin at specific postsynaptic receptor sites located within CNS

selective inhibitor of serotonin reuptake results in antidepressant activity without production of symptoms of sympathomimetic or anticholinergic activity.

Indicated for generalized anxiety and depression

Question 4

Adverse effects

Answer 4

sexual dysfunction
dizziness
nausea
insomnia
somnolence
confusion
seizures (overdose)
serotonin syndrome
-max effect observed in weeks

Question 5

Black Box warning

Answer 5

increase risk of suicidal thinking

not approved for less than 12 years of age

Question 6

Contraindications

Answer 6

Breast feeding and MAOI

Question 7

Interactions

Answer 7

MAOIs ( will cause serotonin syndrome)
hypertensive crisis
hyperthermia
autonomic instability

Question 8

Pregnancy Category

Answer 8

C

Question 9

Seretonin Syndrome

Answer 9

hyperthermia, anticognitive (delirium and confusion), reflexes (hyper), myoclonus (jerking/twitching), fast heart rate, unconsciousness, loss of GI control