RNSG 2213 (M.H.) - Exam 2, Modlule 5: Antidepressants|
Psychiatric Pharmacology and Psychopathology Exam: SSRIs, SNRIs,
TCAs, MAOIs, Benzodiazepines, Buspirone, Beta-Blockers,
Antihistamines, OCD, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Social Anxiety,
Specific Phobia, GAD, Somatic Symptom Disorders, Illness Anxiety,
Conversion Disorder, Factitious Disorder, Malingering, Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Relaxation Techniques,
Psychoeducation, Serotonin Syndrome, Hypertensive Crisis,
Orthostatic Hypotension, Neurobiology of Anxiety, Genetic
Predisposition, Psychodynamic, Behavioral and Cognitive Theories,
Pharmacotherapy, Patient Education, Nursing Interventions Exam
Questions Verified and Provided with Complete A+ Graded Rationales
Latest Updated 2026
antidepressant meds - Classified into 4 main groups
¢1. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
¢2. Atypical antidepressants (non SSRIs)
¢3. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
¢4. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
SSRIs ** know this slide for exam!!
¢Selectively block reuptake of serotonin in the synaptic space, thereby intensifying the effects of
serotonin
¢Examples: Prozac, Celexa, Lexapro, Paxil, Zoloft (know both names)
¢These drugs do not cause the sedating and anticholinergic side effects of the TCAs
¢Effective in depression with anxiety and depression with psychomotor agitation
, ¢Low cardiotoxicity; less dangerous in overdose
¢Treat depressive disorders and other disorders such as panic disorder, OCD, bulimia, PTSD, social
anxiety disorder
¢ Sexual dysfunction may be most significant side effect reported 35-50%
¢Other side effects may be dry mouth, sweating, weight gain, mild nausea, Agitation and anxiety,
headache, sleep problems, emotional blunting in 40-60%
¢Rare and life threatening event is Serotonin Syndrome caused by too high a dose of SSRI, SNRI, or SSRIs
mixed with other drugs that enhance serotonin like St. John's Wart
Serotonin Syndrome
¢Combining SSRIs with MAOIs, TCAs, SNRIs, migraine meds, cold and cough meds, lithium, St Johns
Wort, illicit drugs such as LSD, cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamines.
¢Symptoms: high fever, seizures, irregular heartbeat, agitation, mental confusion, muscular rigidity,
unconsciousness
¢2-72 hours after starting meds
¢Withhold meds and get emergency treatment
¢Untreated SS can progress to hyperthermia, status epilepticus, death
Psychiatric Pharmacology and Psychopathology Exam: SSRIs, SNRIs,
TCAs, MAOIs, Benzodiazepines, Buspirone, Beta-Blockers,
Antihistamines, OCD, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Social Anxiety,
Specific Phobia, GAD, Somatic Symptom Disorders, Illness Anxiety,
Conversion Disorder, Factitious Disorder, Malingering, Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Relaxation Techniques,
Psychoeducation, Serotonin Syndrome, Hypertensive Crisis,
Orthostatic Hypotension, Neurobiology of Anxiety, Genetic
Predisposition, Psychodynamic, Behavioral and Cognitive Theories,
Pharmacotherapy, Patient Education, Nursing Interventions Exam
Questions Verified and Provided with Complete A+ Graded Rationales
Latest Updated 2026
antidepressant meds - Classified into 4 main groups
¢1. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
¢2. Atypical antidepressants (non SSRIs)
¢3. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
¢4. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
SSRIs ** know this slide for exam!!
¢Selectively block reuptake of serotonin in the synaptic space, thereby intensifying the effects of
serotonin
¢Examples: Prozac, Celexa, Lexapro, Paxil, Zoloft (know both names)
¢These drugs do not cause the sedating and anticholinergic side effects of the TCAs
¢Effective in depression with anxiety and depression with psychomotor agitation
, ¢Low cardiotoxicity; less dangerous in overdose
¢Treat depressive disorders and other disorders such as panic disorder, OCD, bulimia, PTSD, social
anxiety disorder
¢ Sexual dysfunction may be most significant side effect reported 35-50%
¢Other side effects may be dry mouth, sweating, weight gain, mild nausea, Agitation and anxiety,
headache, sleep problems, emotional blunting in 40-60%
¢Rare and life threatening event is Serotonin Syndrome caused by too high a dose of SSRI, SNRI, or SSRIs
mixed with other drugs that enhance serotonin like St. John's Wart
Serotonin Syndrome
¢Combining SSRIs with MAOIs, TCAs, SNRIs, migraine meds, cold and cough meds, lithium, St Johns
Wort, illicit drugs such as LSD, cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamines.
¢Symptoms: high fever, seizures, irregular heartbeat, agitation, mental confusion, muscular rigidity,
unconsciousness
¢2-72 hours after starting meds
¢Withhold meds and get emergency treatment
¢Untreated SS can progress to hyperthermia, status epilepticus, death
