Ssri

Question 1

What is the mechanism of action of SSRIs?

Answer 1

Inhibit reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) at the synaptic cleft, increasing serotonin availability

Question 2

What is the primary clinical use of SSRIs?

Answer 2

Major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, panic disorder

Question 3

What is the black box warning for all SSRIs?

Answer 3

Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults

Question 4

How long do SSRIs usually take to show full therapeutic effect?

Answer 4

4–6 weeks (though some benefit may be seen earlier)

Question 5

What is the brand name of fluoxetine?

Answer 5

Prozac

Question 6

What is the generic name of Prozac?

Answer 6

Fluoxetine

Question 7

What is the brand name of sertraline?

Answer 7

Zoloft

Question 8

What is the generic name of Zoloft?

Answer 8

Sertraline

Question 9

What is the brand name of escitalopram?

Answer 9

Lexapro

Question 10

What is the generic name of Lexapro?

Answer 10

Escitalopram

Question 11

What is the brand name of citalopram?

Answer 11

Celexa

Question 12

What is the generic name of Celexa?

Answer 12

Citalopram

Question 13

What is the brand name of paroxetine?

Answer 13

Paxil

Question 14

What is the generic name of Paxil?

Answer 14

Paroxetine

Question 15

What is the brand name of fluvoxamine?

Answer 15

Luvox

Question 16

What is the generic name of Luvox?

Answer 16

Fluvoxamine

Question 17

What are common side effects of SSRIs?

Answer 17

GI upset, headache, sexual dysfunction, insomnia, agitation

Question 18

What side effect is most common with paroxetine (Paxil)?

Answer 18

Weight gain, sedation, anticholinergic effects

Question 19

Which SSRI is safest in pregnancy (Category C)?

Answer 19

Sertraline (Zoloft)

Question 20

Which SSRI is Category D due to cardiac malformations in pregnancy?

Answer 20

Paroxetine (Paxil)

Question 21

Which SSRI has the longest half-life and is self-tapering?

Answer 21

Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Question 22

Which SSRI has the highest risk of QT prolongation?

Answer 22

Citalopram (Celexa)

Question 23

Which SSRI is often first-line due to minimal side effects and high tolerability?

Answer 23

Escitalopram (Lexapro)

Question 24

What is serotonin syndrome, and which symptoms are involved?

Answer 24

Life-threatening condition caused by excess serotonin; symptoms = SHIVERS (Shivering, Hyperreflexia, Increased temp, Vital sign instability, Encephalopathy, Restlessness, Sweating)

Question 25

What happens if SSRIs are stopped abruptly?

Answer 25

Discontinuation syndrome: flu-like symptoms, insomnia, imbalance, irritability (mnemonic: FINISH)

Question 26

Which SSRIs are most likely to cause discontinuation syndrome?

Answer 26

Paroxetine and fluvoxamine (short half-lives)

Question 27

Which SSRI is FDA-approved for pediatric depression?

Answer 27

Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Question 28

Which SSRI is FDA-approved for pediatric OCD?

Answer 28

Fluvoxamine (Luvox)