Antidepressants and Side Effects; Questions &
Answers 100% Solved
SSRIs/SNRIs, heterocyclics (tri- and tetracyclics), MAOIs, and miscellaneous Correct
answer-Various categories of antidepressants
Dizziness, HA, nausea, insomnia, malaise Correct answer-Withdrawal symptoms from
antidepressants
Inhibit the presynaptic uptake via serotonin pumps - leads to increased availability of serotonin
in synaptic plasticity. There is also downstream effect increasing brain plasticity. Correct
answer-SSRIs mechanism of action
Low side effects (many resolve w/time), no food restrictions, and little risk of overdose
Correct answer-SSRI advantages
GI disturbance (N/D), insomnia, anorexia/wt loss - these largely resolve with time. Others
include sexual dysfunction, restlessness, and serotonin syndrome (when combined with another
medication increasing serotonin), seizures (0.2%) Correct answer-SSRI side effects
Fluoxetine (Prozac). Has active metabolites as well, so it does not need a taper. It can elevate
the level of antipsychotics, which can increase their side effects. Correct answer-Which
SSRI has the longest half-life?
Brand name Zoloft. Risk of GI disturbances, insomnia, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction. Very few
drug interactions Correct answer-What do you know about sertraline?
, Antidepressants and Side Effects; Questions &
Answers 100% Solved
SSRI - anticholinergic effects (sedation, constipation, weight gain), sexual dysfunction, and lots
of drug interactions. Also has a short half-life and thus can cause withdrawal sx Correct
answer-What kind of drug is paroxetine and what side effects does it have?
SSRI - few drug-drug interactions, but has a dose-dependent QTc prolongation - very similar to
escitalopram, a close cousin Correct answer-What kind of drug is citalopram and what
are its advantages and risks?
2 weeks Correct answer-To avoid serotonin syndrome, how long should you wait after
stopping an MAOI before starting an SSRI?
It is an SNRI, used for depression, anxiety disorders, and neuropathic pain. Brand name is
effexor. Correct answer-What is venlafaxine and what is it used for?
Labile BP or HTN - high doses can cause elevated BP Correct answer-Name a
contraindication to venlafaxine use
Aka cymbalta, duloxetine is an SNRI - used in depression, neuropathic pain, and fibromyalgia. A
side effect can be hepatotoxicity, particularly in pts with alcohol use or liver disease
Correct answer-What kind of drug is duloxetine?
Answers 100% Solved
SSRIs/SNRIs, heterocyclics (tri- and tetracyclics), MAOIs, and miscellaneous Correct
answer-Various categories of antidepressants
Dizziness, HA, nausea, insomnia, malaise Correct answer-Withdrawal symptoms from
antidepressants
Inhibit the presynaptic uptake via serotonin pumps - leads to increased availability of serotonin
in synaptic plasticity. There is also downstream effect increasing brain plasticity. Correct
answer-SSRIs mechanism of action
Low side effects (many resolve w/time), no food restrictions, and little risk of overdose
Correct answer-SSRI advantages
GI disturbance (N/D), insomnia, anorexia/wt loss - these largely resolve with time. Others
include sexual dysfunction, restlessness, and serotonin syndrome (when combined with another
medication increasing serotonin), seizures (0.2%) Correct answer-SSRI side effects
Fluoxetine (Prozac). Has active metabolites as well, so it does not need a taper. It can elevate
the level of antipsychotics, which can increase their side effects. Correct answer-Which
SSRI has the longest half-life?
Brand name Zoloft. Risk of GI disturbances, insomnia, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction. Very few
drug interactions Correct answer-What do you know about sertraline?
, Antidepressants and Side Effects; Questions &
Answers 100% Solved
SSRI - anticholinergic effects (sedation, constipation, weight gain), sexual dysfunction, and lots
of drug interactions. Also has a short half-life and thus can cause withdrawal sx Correct
answer-What kind of drug is paroxetine and what side effects does it have?
SSRI - few drug-drug interactions, but has a dose-dependent QTc prolongation - very similar to
escitalopram, a close cousin Correct answer-What kind of drug is citalopram and what
are its advantages and risks?
2 weeks Correct answer-To avoid serotonin syndrome, how long should you wait after
stopping an MAOI before starting an SSRI?
It is an SNRI, used for depression, anxiety disorders, and neuropathic pain. Brand name is
effexor. Correct answer-What is venlafaxine and what is it used for?
Labile BP or HTN - high doses can cause elevated BP Correct answer-Name a
contraindication to venlafaxine use
Aka cymbalta, duloxetine is an SNRI - used in depression, neuropathic pain, and fibromyalgia. A
side effect can be hepatotoxicity, particularly in pts with alcohol use or liver disease
Correct answer-What kind of drug is duloxetine?
