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":
- Stomach upset: Nausea, diarrhea
- Sexual dysfunction: Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction
- Serotonin syndrome: With other serotonergic agents (e.g., MAOIs) – hyperthermia, flushing, muscle rigidity
- Sleep difficulties: Insomnia
- Suicidal thoughts: Particularly in patients under 24
- Stress: Agitation and anxiety
- 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
