QMHP Exam - Basic Psychiatric Meds
SNRIs - Answer-Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
SSRIs - Answer-Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
NDRIs - Answer-Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors
True or false: SSRIs, NDRIs, and SNRIs are considered new types of medications. - Answer-True. These
medications are commonly prescribed because they improve symptoms related to a broad group of
depressive and anxiety disorders and are associated with fewer side effects
These are still prescribed but are often associated with more side effects. - Answer-Tricyclics and
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) AKA 'older' antidepressants. Still may be best fit for some
individuals.
How long to antidepressants take to work? - Answer-4-8 weeks
Which symptoms of antidepressants sometimes improve before mood lifts? - Answer-Problems with:
sleep, appetite, energy, or concentration.
What are some of the side effects of SSRIs and other antidepressants? (Bonus: additional information
about side effects) - Answer-Upset stomach, headache, sexual dysfunction. Bonus: side effects are
generally mild and tend to improve over time.
, What can be done for individuals who are sensitive to the side effects of antidepressant medications? -
Answer-Start with a low dose, increasing the daily dose very slowly and/or adjusting when they take the
medication (ex: at night with food).
What is a newer FDA-approved medication for treatment-resistant depression? - Answer-Esketamine
When is treatment-resistant depression diagnosed/Esketamine prescribed? - Answer-When a person's
symptoms have not improved after trying at least two antidepressant therapies.
How is Esketamine administered? - Answer-As a nasal spray in a health care provider's office, a clinic, or
a hospital.
How does Esketamine work? - Answer-Rapidly, (typically) within a few hours, to relieve depression
symptoms.
Does Esketamine work on it's own? - Answer-Individuals usually continue to take an oral antidepressant
to maintain the improvement of symptoms.
Combining antidepressants with medications or supplements that also act on the serotonin system can
do what? - Answer-Cause a life-threatening illness called serotonin syndrome
What are examples of medications and supplements that can cause serotonin syndrome? - Answer-
Triptan medications (often used to treat headaches) and St. John's Wort (a dietary supplement).
What are symptoms of serotonin syndrome? - Answer-Agitation, muscle twitches, hallucinations, high
temperature, and unusual blood pressure changes.
What should be noted for individuals under the age of 25 who are taking antidepressants? - Answer-
They may experience an increase in suicidal thoughts or behavior, especially in the first few weeks after
starting the medication OR when the dose is changed.
SNRIs - Answer-Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
SSRIs - Answer-Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
NDRIs - Answer-Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors
True or false: SSRIs, NDRIs, and SNRIs are considered new types of medications. - Answer-True. These
medications are commonly prescribed because they improve symptoms related to a broad group of
depressive and anxiety disorders and are associated with fewer side effects
These are still prescribed but are often associated with more side effects. - Answer-Tricyclics and
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) AKA 'older' antidepressants. Still may be best fit for some
individuals.
How long to antidepressants take to work? - Answer-4-8 weeks
Which symptoms of antidepressants sometimes improve before mood lifts? - Answer-Problems with:
sleep, appetite, energy, or concentration.
What are some of the side effects of SSRIs and other antidepressants? (Bonus: additional information
about side effects) - Answer-Upset stomach, headache, sexual dysfunction. Bonus: side effects are
generally mild and tend to improve over time.
, What can be done for individuals who are sensitive to the side effects of antidepressant medications? -
Answer-Start with a low dose, increasing the daily dose very slowly and/or adjusting when they take the
medication (ex: at night with food).
What is a newer FDA-approved medication for treatment-resistant depression? - Answer-Esketamine
When is treatment-resistant depression diagnosed/Esketamine prescribed? - Answer-When a person's
symptoms have not improved after trying at least two antidepressant therapies.
How is Esketamine administered? - Answer-As a nasal spray in a health care provider's office, a clinic, or
a hospital.
How does Esketamine work? - Answer-Rapidly, (typically) within a few hours, to relieve depression
symptoms.
Does Esketamine work on it's own? - Answer-Individuals usually continue to take an oral antidepressant
to maintain the improvement of symptoms.
Combining antidepressants with medications or supplements that also act on the serotonin system can
do what? - Answer-Cause a life-threatening illness called serotonin syndrome
What are examples of medications and supplements that can cause serotonin syndrome? - Answer-
Triptan medications (often used to treat headaches) and St. John's Wort (a dietary supplement).
What are symptoms of serotonin syndrome? - Answer-Agitation, muscle twitches, hallucinations, high
temperature, and unusual blood pressure changes.
What should be noted for individuals under the age of 25 who are taking antidepressants? - Answer-
They may experience an increase in suicidal thoughts or behavior, especially in the first few weeks after
starting the medication OR when the dose is changed.
