SSRI Couselling

Question 1

How to take? How long do they take to work?

Answer 1

Usually taken in tablet form

Need to take for 4-6 weeks before benefits

Question 2

What to do if you miss a dose?

Answer 2

If you miss a dose skip the dose and take your next one as normal

Question 3

After starting an SSRI how should you go about stopping them?

Answer 3

If you have felt benefit should continue for at least 3-6 months to reduce relapse

Should be gradually reduced over 4 weeks - withdrawal if abrupt

Question 4

How do SSRI’s work?

Answer 4

Prevent the body from reabsorbing serotonin

Imbalance of serotonin is thought to be linked with mental health conditions

Question 5

Monitoring on SSRI’s?

Answer 5

Mental health follow up checks but no bloods required

Question 6

Side effects?

Answer 6

Stomach upset & diarrhoea

Increased risk of GI bleeds - PPI should be prescribed if taking NSAID therapy

Anxiety / negative mood when starting therapy

Other: headaches, weight change, drowsiness