Question 1

Q: What is a common side effect of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication prescribed to a 50-year-old woman with depression?

Decreased libido and difficulty achieving orgasm. ***Decreased libido and difficulty achieving orgasm*** - **Sexual dysfunction**, including decreased libido, anorgasmia, and ejaculatory delay, is a very common and often dose-dependent side effect of SSRIs. - This is attributed to increased serotonin levels affecting **dopamine** and **norepinephrine** pathways involved in sexual response. *Hepatotoxicity* - While possible with many medications, **severe hepatotoxicity** is rare with SSRIs and not considered a common side effect in routine clinical practice. - Liver enzyme elevations can occur, but significant liver damage requiring discontinuation is infrequent. *Weight gain* - **Weight gain** is a known side effect of some antidepressants, particularly **tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)** and some **atypical antipsychotics**, but it is less consistently associated with SSRIs. - Although some SSRIs can cause weight gain, it is not as universally common or as prominent as sexual dysfunction. *Hypertension* - **Hypertension** is not a common side effect of SSRIs; in fact, some studies suggest a potential for SSRIs to slightly lower **blood pressure**. - **Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)**, like venlafaxine, are more likely to cause dose-dependent increases in blood pressure.

Question

What is a common side effect of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication prescribed to a 50-year-old woman with depression?

Accepted Answer

Decreased libido and difficulty achieving orgasm

Answer

Hepatotoxicity

Answer

Weight gain

Answer

Hypertension

Psychopharmacology — MCQs

Psychopharmacology — MCQs

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