Revise MBBS

Paper I — 2014 March (2010 Scheme) — Q7

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Paper I
2014 March (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Q73 marksShort Notes

Answer

SSRIs are first-line antidepressants.

Examples

  • Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Paroxetine, Escitalopram, Citalopram

Mechanism of action

  • Selectively inhibit presynaptic reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) at the serotonin transporter
  • Increases synaptic serotonin availability
  • Chronic use leads to downregulation of postsynaptic 5-HT receptors, correlating with the delayed onset of antidepressant effect (2–4 weeks)

Uses

  • Major depressive disorder
  • Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety)
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • PTSD, bulimia nervosa (fluoxetine)

Adverse effects

  • GI disturbances (nausea, diarrhoea)
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Insomnia/agitation or sedation
  • Serotonin syndrome (especially with other serotonergic drugs)
  • Discontinuation syndrome on abrupt withdrawal
  • Advantage over TCAs: lower cardiotoxicity, fewer anticholinergic effects, safer in overdose
  1. 1Antidepressants and Antianxiety Drugs

Other Years Asked

  1. 1A 29-year employee gradually stopped going out, withdrew socially. He felt guilty, worthless and tired all time, lost interest in pleasure and sex and had disturbed sleep. Physician diagnosed him a case of Major depression. (2023 July (Supplementary) (2019 Scheme)Essay · 15 marks
  2. 2A 25-year-old male with symptom of excessive fatigue and lack of sleep was brought to the clinic. His relatives say that he is socially withdrawn and has made two attempts of suicide. He was prescribed tab fluoxetine.  Explain the mechanism of action, uses and adverse effects of fluoxetine.  Classify other drugs useful in the above condition. (3+3)2023 July (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Essay · 6 marks
  3. 3day for her. Answer the following:  What is the mechanism of action of fluoxetine.  What is the advantage of this drug compared to tricyclic antidepressants.  What can happen if this patient is administered pethidine concurrently (2+2+2)2018 February (2010 Scheme)Essay · 6 marks
  4. 4Mention SSRI and its advantages.2014 September (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 3 marks
  5. 5Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors2021 May (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 3 marks
  6. 6Sertraline.2025 August (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 3 marks
  7. 7Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors2021 February (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Note · 3 marks
  8. 8Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors2017 August (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
  9. 9Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors2017 February (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
  10. 10Fluoxetine2024 August (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
  11. 11Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)2018 July (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
  12. 12Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors2022 October (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
  13. 13Amitriptyline2020 February (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
  14. 14Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor2019 February (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.3 marks
  15. 15Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.2025 March (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.3 marks

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