Week 10 - SSRIs

Question 1

Why is there a greater risk of suicide within the first three weeks of beginning to take SSRIs?

Answer 1

Lag time in receiving therapeutic effect. Usually achieve effect in about a month.

Question 2

SSRIs are ___________ in comparison to TCAs and MAOIs

Answer 2

Safer

Question 3

Neonates exposed to SSRIs in the third trimester may experience?

Answer 3

Hospitalization
Needed respiratory support
Tube feedings

Question 4

What is the only SSRI that does NOT require tapering because of a long half life?

Answer 4

Fluoxetine

Question 5

Which SSRI can be used as a single dose to help taper off other SSRIs and avoid withdrawal?

Answer 5

Fluoxetine

Question 6

Which SSRI is the MOST likely to cause discontinuation symptoms?

Answer 6

Paroxetine

Question 7

What do many SSRIs treat?

Answer 7

Depression
OCD
Generalized anxiety/panic disorder
PTSD
PMDD

Question 8

Which two SSRIs are first-line treatments for PTSD?

Answer 8

Paroxetine
Sertraline

Question 9

Paroxetine has a ________ half-life. Can see withdrawal symptoms with ___________ missed dose.

Answer 9

Short
One

Question 10

True or False
Most SSRIs are indicated for pregnancy?

Answer 10

False, many SSRIs cause malformations and fetal death, especially in third trimester.

Question 11

What is the MOA for SSRIs?

Answer 11

Affects the serotonin neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft, blocking it from returning the remaining serotonin to the presynaptic cell.

Question 12

___________ is an SSRI that is a dangerous QT prolonger and should be used with caution in _____________

Answer 12

1. Citalopram
2. Patients older than 60

Question 13

What are classic side effects of SSRIs?

Answer 13

Low sex drive
Sexual dysfunction
Dizziness
Blurred vision
GI effects

Question 14

True or false

SSRIs require lab monitoring?

Answer 14

False

Question 15

What is a potential dangerous side effect of all SSRIs/SNRIs?

Answer 15

Serotonin syndrome, can progress to coma and death