Active Learning Template for Medications
Student Name: Mackenzie Guinn
Medication: Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Category Class: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Other Medications: Citalopram, Escitalopram, Paroxetine, Sertraline, Fluvoxamine
Expected Pharmacological Action / Mechanism
SSRIs selectively block reuptake of the monoamine neurotransmitter serotonin in the
synaptic space, thereby intensifying the effects of serotonin
SSRIs are considered first-line treatment for depression. They can take 1-3 weeks or
longer before pharmacological benefits take effect
Therapeutic Use
Major depression
OCD
Bulimia nervosa
Premenstrual dysphoric disorders
Panic disorders
PTSD
Social anxiety disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder
Bipolar disorder
Complications (Adverse Effects)
Sexual dysfunction (anorgasmia, impotence, decreased libido)
CNS stimulation (inability to sleep, agitation, anxiety)
Weight loss early on followed by weight gain
Serotonin syndrome (2-72 hrs after starting treatment)
Withdrawal (headache, nausea, visual disturbances, anxiety, dizziness, and tremors)
Hyponatremia (more likely in older adults taking diuretics)
Rash
Sleepiness, faintness, lightheadedness
GI bleeding
Bruxism
Contraindications/Precautions
These medications are Pregnancy Risk Category C, except for paroxetine, which is
category D
Paroxetine increases the risk of birth defects. Therefore, other SSRIs are
recommended. Late in pregnancy, use of SSRIs increases the risk of withdrawal
manifestations or pulmonary hypertension in the newborn
SSRIs are contraindicated in clients taking MAOIs or TCAs. SSRIs need to be
Student Name: Mackenzie Guinn
Medication: Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Category Class: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Other Medications: Citalopram, Escitalopram, Paroxetine, Sertraline, Fluvoxamine
Expected Pharmacological Action / Mechanism
SSRIs selectively block reuptake of the monoamine neurotransmitter serotonin in the
synaptic space, thereby intensifying the effects of serotonin
SSRIs are considered first-line treatment for depression. They can take 1-3 weeks or
longer before pharmacological benefits take effect
Therapeutic Use
Major depression
OCD
Bulimia nervosa
Premenstrual dysphoric disorders
Panic disorders
PTSD
Social anxiety disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder
Bipolar disorder
Complications (Adverse Effects)
Sexual dysfunction (anorgasmia, impotence, decreased libido)
CNS stimulation (inability to sleep, agitation, anxiety)
Weight loss early on followed by weight gain
Serotonin syndrome (2-72 hrs after starting treatment)
Withdrawal (headache, nausea, visual disturbances, anxiety, dizziness, and tremors)
Hyponatremia (more likely in older adults taking diuretics)
Rash
Sleepiness, faintness, lightheadedness
GI bleeding
Bruxism
Contraindications/Precautions
These medications are Pregnancy Risk Category C, except for paroxetine, which is
category D
Paroxetine increases the risk of birth defects. Therefore, other SSRIs are
recommended. Late in pregnancy, use of SSRIs increases the risk of withdrawal
manifestations or pulmonary hypertension in the newborn
SSRIs are contraindicated in clients taking MAOIs or TCAs. SSRIs need to be
