Question
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
Q63 marksShort Notes
Answer
Examples: Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Paroxetine, Escitalopram, Citalopram
Mechanism of action
- Selectively inhibit presynaptic reuptake of serotonin, increasing synaptic 5-HT availability
- Chronic use leads to downregulation of postsynaptic 5-HT receptors, correlating with delayed onset of antidepressant effect (2–4 weeks)
Uses
- Major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD
Adverse effects
- GI disturbances, sexual dysfunction
- Insomnia/agitation or sedation
- Serotonin syndrome (with other serotonergic drugs)
- Discontinuation syndrome on abrupt withdrawal
- Safer profile than TCAs — much lower cardiotoxicity/overdose risk
- 1Antidepressants and Antianxiety Drugs
Other Years Asked
- 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
- 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 His relatives say that he is socially withdrawn and has made two attempts of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
- 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
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- 10Fluoxetine2024 August (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
- 11Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)2018 July (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
- 12Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors2022 October (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
- 13Amitriptyline2020 February (Supplementary) (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 1 mark
- 14Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor2019 February (2010 Scheme)Short Answer · 0.3 marks
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