Antidepressants SSRI

Question 1

SSRI indication

Answer 1

moderate to severe, panic disorder, OCD

Question 2

SSRI MOA

Answer 2

inhibit reuptake of serotonin

Question 3

SSRI Adverse effects

Answer 3

GI, appetite and weight disturbance, hypersensitivity, hyponatraemia, suicidal thoughts, lower seizure threshold, QT, serotonin syndrome

Question 4

SSRI cautions/warnings

Answer 4

epilepsy, peptic ulcer disease (gastroprotection may be needed especially if taking other problematic drugs like NSAID/Aspirin), reduced dose needed in hepatic impairment , MAOi

Question 5

When to stop SSRI

Answer 5

6 months after depression stops, 2 years for recurrent depression, don’t stop suddenly

Question 6

SSRI withdrawal symptoms

Answer 6

Tummy upset, flu-like and sleeplessness