Names/Definitions
What does SSRI stand for?
True or False: SSRIs can help with anxiety
True
SSRIs mainly increase which brain chemical—serotonin or dopamine?
Serotonin
What's the most common side effect of SSRIs/SNRIs
GI upset
About how long does it take for these medications to "kick in"
4-6 weeks
Name an SSRI
Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro, Celexa, Paxil
Which of these can SSRIs or SNRIs help treat: depression, OCD, or both?
Both!
True or False: These medications start working right after the first pill.
False!
Should you stop taking your SSRI when your mood improves and why?
No, because you can have withdrawal symptoms or the return of depressive symptoms (rebound effect)
What do psychiatrists recommend with SSRIs/SNRIs
Therapy
What does SNRI stand for
Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor
True or False: SSRIs and SNRIs are sometimes used for PTSD.
True
SNRIs increase serotonin and what other chemical?
Norepinephrine
What is a unique side effect with SNRIs you should watch out for
High blood pressure
True or false: SSRIs are addictive
False
Name an SNRI
Name a drug that is used to help augment an SSRI?
Abilify, Remeron, Wellbutrin
What other condition are SNRIs useful to treat
Chronic neuropathic pain
Serotonin syndrome
What should you do if you miss a dose of your medication?
Take the next one the next day as prescribed
Which type of medication affects two brain chemicals
SNRIs
Which SSRI is shown to be most effective for people living with PTSD
Zoloft
Why do SSRIs/SNRIs take 4-6 weeks to work?
What fruit juice do you want to avoid when taking an SSRI?
Grapefruit juice
Do people need to be on SSRIs forever?
It depends.