SSRIs Flashcards
Which SSRI has the highest chance of withdrawal reactions
Paroxetine
Which SSRI is safe in MI and unstable angina
Sertraline
Which SSRI is the only antidepressant licensed for children
Fluoxetine
Which SSRIs cause QT prolongation
Citalopram
Escitalopram
What are the side effects that can occur with SSRIs
G - Gastro - N&V
A - Appetite - Weight loss/gain
S - Serotonin Syndrome
H - Hypersensitivity reactions - Stop if rash occurs
What are the adverse effects that can occur with SSRIs
Bleeding risk increased
QT interval prolongation
Lowers seizure threshold
Movement disorders / dyskinesias
What interacts with SSRIs to cause an increased plasma concentration
Grapefruit Juice
(Enzyme inhibitors)
What interacts with SSRIs to cause an increased risk of bleeding
NSAIDs
Anticoagulants
Antiplatelets
What interacts with SSRIs to cause an increased risk of QT prolongation
Erythromycin (macrolides)
TCAs
Sotalol
Amiodarone
Chloroquine
Mefloquine
Lithium
Quinine
Antipsychotics
What interacts with SSRIs to cause an increased risk of hypokalaemia & torsade de pointes
Theophylline
Beta 2 agonists
Loop / thiazide diuretics
Corticosteroids
What interacts with SSRIs to cause an increased risk of hyponatraemia
Diuretics
Desmopressin
Carbamazepine
NSAIDs
What interacts with SSRIs to cause an increased risk of serotonin syndrome
St Johns Wort
Amfetamines
Sumatriptan
Selegiline
Tramadol
TCAs
Ondansetron
How long do SSRIs take to work
At least 2 weeks
(Reviewed every 1-2 weeks at the start of treatment)
How long should treatment with SSRIs be continued for
Atleast 4 weeks
6 weeks in elderly
Following remission, how long should SSRIs be continued for
At least 6 months
*12 months in elderly
*At least 12 months in patients with generalised anxiety disorders (relapse is high)
* 2 years in recurrent depression
