04 Mar SSRI
they inhibit the reuptake of 5HT in the synaptic cleft, this improves patient mood.
Cautions
Cardiac disease; concurrent electroconvulsive therapy; diabetes mellitus; epilepsy
elderly risk hyponatraemia less than 130 mmol
Patients should be withdrawn over a few weeks
Side effects
Anxiety; appetite abnormal; arrhythmias; arthralgia; asthenia;
concentration impaired; confusion; constipation;
depersonalisation;
diarrhoea; dizziness;
drowsiness; dry mouth; fever; gastrointestinal discomfort
withdrawal
Withdrawal effects may occur within 5 days of stopping treatment with antidepressant drugs; they are usually mild and self-limiting, but in some cases may be severe.
The risk of withdrawal symptoms is increased if the antidepressant is stopped suddenly after regular administration for 8 weeks or more.
drug interactions
SSRIs must not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors as this can increase the risk of sertogenic syndrome.
If the patient is taking an SSRI with an anti-coagulant gastroprotection must be added.
Exam Tips
Do not withdraw suddenly
Review elderly patients with hyponatraemia
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