SSRI

Question 1

What is it indicated for?

Answer 1

Depression
Panic disorder
OCD

Question 2

How does it work?

Answer 2

Inhibits reuptake of serotonin improving mood and physical symptoms in depression

Relieve symptoms in panic disorders and OCD

Question 3

Why are SSRIs preferred over other antidepressant drugs?

Answer 3

Fewer side effects and less dangerous in overdose

Question 4

What are the side effects of this drug class?

Answer 4

GI upset
change in appetite and weight (loss or gain)
Hypersensitivity reactions including skin rash
Hyponatraemia
Suicidal thoughts and behaviour
Increased risk of bleeding
Serotonin syndrome

Question 5

What side effect can citalopram also cause?

Answer 5

Prolong the QT interval

Question 6

What can sudden withdrawal of these drugs cause?

Answer 6

GI upset, neurological and flu-like symptoms, and sleep disturbance.

Question 7

What are the warnings of SSRIs?

Answer 7

Caution required in epilepsy, peptic ulcer disease, elderly and young people

Hepatic impairment- dose reduction

Question 8

What are the drug interactions of SSRIs?

Answer 8

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and other ▲ serotonergic drugs like tramadol as they can cause serotonin syndrome

Anticoagulants, aspirin, NSAIDS can increase bleed risk so gastroprotection should be considered