HSA 546 FINAL EXAM PART 1 AND PART 2
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW GUIDE 2026
◉ Mechanism of action
• inhibit DA reuptake (increase alertness, motivation)
• inhibit NE reuptake (increase energy)
Adverse effects
-agitation
-headache
-dry mouth
-constipation
-weight loss. Answer: NDRI's
◉ citalopram (Celexa). Answer: SSRI Prescribing Pearls: med with
mild antihistamine effects
◉ escitalopram (Lexapro). Answer: SSRI Prescribing Pearls: med
with no known drug interactions
◉ fluoxetine (Prozac). Answer: SSRI Prescribing Pearls: med with
longest half-life
,◉ paroxetine (Paxil). Answer: SSRI Prescribing Pearls: med that also
treats social anxiety and insomnia
◉ fluvoxamine (Luvox). Answer: SSRI Prescribing Pearls: med that
treats anxious depression; smokers require an increased dose
◉ sertraline (Zoloft). Answer: SSRI Prescribing Pearls: med that also
treats social anxiety and hypersomnolence
◉ INDICATION
-Depression
-GAD
-Social anxiety disorder
-Panic disorder
Mechanism of Action
-SNRI (dual serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor),
Boosts neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine/noradrenaline,
and dopamine.
TESTS
-Check bp before initiating tx & regularly during tx
,Starting Dose
-Initial 37.5 mg daily (extended-release) or 25-50 mg divided into 2-
3 doses (immediate-release)
Adverse Effects
-H/A, nervousness, insomnia, sedation, nausea, diarrhea, decreased
appetite, sexual dysfunction, asthenia, sweating, SIADH,
hyponatremia, increase BP
PEARLS
-treats both depression and anxiety disorders, ensure trial of higher
dose before switching to a different medication
-preferred treatments for treatment-resistant depression. Answer:
venlafaxine (Effexor)
◉ INDICATION
-MDD
Mechanism of Action
-SNRI (dual serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor),
Boosts neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine/noradrenaline,
and dopamine
TESTS
, -Monitor BP before and during treatment.
Starting Dose
-50 mg/day
Adverse Effects
-Insomnia, sedation, anxiety, dizziness, nausea, vomiting,
constipation, decreased appetite, sexual dysfunction, sweating,
SIADH, hyponatremia, increased BP
PEARLS
-effective for perimenopausal vasomotor symptoms. Answer:
desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
◉ INDICATION
-MDD
-Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain
-Fibromyalgia
-GAD
-Chronic musculoskeletal pain
Mechanism of Action
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW GUIDE 2026
◉ Mechanism of action
• inhibit DA reuptake (increase alertness, motivation)
• inhibit NE reuptake (increase energy)
Adverse effects
-agitation
-headache
-dry mouth
-constipation
-weight loss. Answer: NDRI's
◉ citalopram (Celexa). Answer: SSRI Prescribing Pearls: med with
mild antihistamine effects
◉ escitalopram (Lexapro). Answer: SSRI Prescribing Pearls: med
with no known drug interactions
◉ fluoxetine (Prozac). Answer: SSRI Prescribing Pearls: med with
longest half-life
,◉ paroxetine (Paxil). Answer: SSRI Prescribing Pearls: med that also
treats social anxiety and insomnia
◉ fluvoxamine (Luvox). Answer: SSRI Prescribing Pearls: med that
treats anxious depression; smokers require an increased dose
◉ sertraline (Zoloft). Answer: SSRI Prescribing Pearls: med that also
treats social anxiety and hypersomnolence
◉ INDICATION
-Depression
-GAD
-Social anxiety disorder
-Panic disorder
Mechanism of Action
-SNRI (dual serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor),
Boosts neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine/noradrenaline,
and dopamine.
TESTS
-Check bp before initiating tx & regularly during tx
,Starting Dose
-Initial 37.5 mg daily (extended-release) or 25-50 mg divided into 2-
3 doses (immediate-release)
Adverse Effects
-H/A, nervousness, insomnia, sedation, nausea, diarrhea, decreased
appetite, sexual dysfunction, asthenia, sweating, SIADH,
hyponatremia, increase BP
PEARLS
-treats both depression and anxiety disorders, ensure trial of higher
dose before switching to a different medication
-preferred treatments for treatment-resistant depression. Answer:
venlafaxine (Effexor)
◉ INDICATION
-MDD
Mechanism of Action
-SNRI (dual serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor),
Boosts neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine/noradrenaline,
and dopamine
TESTS
, -Monitor BP before and during treatment.
Starting Dose
-50 mg/day
Adverse Effects
-Insomnia, sedation, anxiety, dizziness, nausea, vomiting,
constipation, decreased appetite, sexual dysfunction, sweating,
SIADH, hyponatremia, increased BP
PEARLS
-effective for perimenopausal vasomotor symptoms. Answer:
desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
◉ INDICATION
-MDD
-Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain
-Fibromyalgia
-GAD
-Chronic musculoskeletal pain
Mechanism of Action
