SSRI Mnemonics - Side Effects, Discontinuation & Contraindications

Mastering SSRI drug names, side effects, mechanisms of action, and understanding key drug interactions like those with SNRIs essential for pharmacology exams.

Here are easy-to-remember mnemonics to help you retain this vital information.

SSRI Drug Names Mnemonic: "Effective For Sadness, Panic & Compulsions"

To quickly recall the SSRIs and their common indications, remember the mnemonic "Effective For Sadness, Panic & Compulsions":

  • Effective – Escitalopram (Lexapro)
  • For – Fluoxetine (Prozac) & Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
  • Sadness – Sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Panic – Paroxetine (Paxil)
  • Compulsions – Citalopram (Celexa)

Indications:

  • Sadness: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
  • Panic: Panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder
  • Compulsions: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

If you're curious about how drugs move through the body, check out this helpful guide on pharmacokinetics mnemonics for a deeper dive into ADME principles.

SSRI Side Effects Mnemonic: "7 S’s of SSRI Side Effects"

To remember the side effects of SSRIs, think of the "7 S’s of SSRI Side Effects":

  1. Stomach upset: Nausea, diarrhea
  2. Sexual dysfunction: Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction
  3. Serotonin syndrome: With other serotonergic agents (e.g., MAOIs) – hyperthermia, flushing, muscle rigidity
  4. Sleep difficulties: Insomnia
  5. Suicidal thoughts: Particularly in patients under 24
  6. Stress: Agitation and anxiety
  7. Size increase: Weight gain

Serotonin Syndrome Symptoms Mnemonic: "HARM"

To recall the symptoms of serotonin syndrome, use the mnemonic "HARM":

  • H: Hyperthermia
  • A: Autonomic instability (BP fluctuations)
  • R: Rigidity (muscle stiffness)
  • M: Mental status changes

Mechanism of Action Mnemonic for SSRIs

To remember how SSRIs work, think "Some Silly Rats Increase Serotonin":

  • S: Selectively
  • S: Stop
  • R: Reuptake
  • I: Increasing
  • S: Serotonin

This emphasizes the primary action of SSRIs: preventing serotonin reuptake, which increases its availability in synaptic spaces.

Now it sounds fun and memorable!

SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome Mnemonic:"FINISH"

When recalling the symptoms of SSRI discontinuation syndrome, use the mnemonic "FINISH":

  • F: Flu-like symptoms
  • I: Insomnia
  • N: Nausea
  • I: Imbalance (dizziness)
  • S: Sensory disturbances (zaps)
  • H: Hyperarousal
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