NR 566 Advanced Pharmacology Care of the
Family Questions with Detailed Verified Answers
What is the black box warning for antidepressants? Ans: increased risk of suicide
Antidepressants - Duration of therapy? Ans: Initial response develops in 1 to 3 weeks;
Maximal responses in 12 weeks.
Antidepressants - when should medication be considered a failure? Ans: Once it has
been taken for 1 month without success
Antidepressants - suicidality potential Ans: Closely observe patients taking
antidepressants. as medication increases the risk for suicide
SSRI - drug interactions with MAOIs Ans: there needs to be a 5-week elapse between
stopping fluoxetine and starting SSRIs.
MAOIs increase 5-HT availability and greatly increase risk for serotonin syndrome.
MAOIs cause irreversible inhibition of monoamine oxidase their effects persist long
after dosing stops.
SNRI - Neurotransmitters affected by SNRIs Ans: block neuronal reuptake of
serotonin and NE, with minimal effects on other transmitters of receptors.
SNRI - Venlafaxine discontinuation Ans: Abrupt discontinuation can cause an intense
withdrawal syndrome. Symptoms include anxiety, agitation, tremors, headache, vertigo,
nausea, tachycardia, and tinnitus.
SNRI - Venlafaxine discontinuation - Tapering Ans: Medication should be tapered over
2-4 weeks to minimize withdrawal symptoms
SNRI - Venlafaxine side effect management - Ans: educate patient not to stop taking
abruptly and to report any thoughts of suicide or self-harm
Family Questions with Detailed Verified Answers
What is the black box warning for antidepressants? Ans: increased risk of suicide
Antidepressants - Duration of therapy? Ans: Initial response develops in 1 to 3 weeks;
Maximal responses in 12 weeks.
Antidepressants - when should medication be considered a failure? Ans: Once it has
been taken for 1 month without success
Antidepressants - suicidality potential Ans: Closely observe patients taking
antidepressants. as medication increases the risk for suicide
SSRI - drug interactions with MAOIs Ans: there needs to be a 5-week elapse between
stopping fluoxetine and starting SSRIs.
MAOIs increase 5-HT availability and greatly increase risk for serotonin syndrome.
MAOIs cause irreversible inhibition of monoamine oxidase their effects persist long
after dosing stops.
SNRI - Neurotransmitters affected by SNRIs Ans: block neuronal reuptake of
serotonin and NE, with minimal effects on other transmitters of receptors.
SNRI - Venlafaxine discontinuation Ans: Abrupt discontinuation can cause an intense
withdrawal syndrome. Symptoms include anxiety, agitation, tremors, headache, vertigo,
nausea, tachycardia, and tinnitus.
SNRI - Venlafaxine discontinuation - Tapering Ans: Medication should be tapered over
2-4 weeks to minimize withdrawal symptoms
SNRI - Venlafaxine side effect management - Ans: educate patient not to stop taking
abruptly and to report any thoughts of suicide or self-harm
