SSRI Mnemonics - Side Effects, Discontinuation & Contraindications

Published by Latrina Walden

  • January 30, 2025
  • 01:32

Latrina Walden

Founder & CEO of LWES | MSN, MHA, FNP-C, FNP-BC, PMHNP

Tired of reading your boring notes and endless google searches for Medication Classifications & Adverse Side Effects?

Well, it ends today! Get a copy of my Psych Medications Book now!

Meet The Author

Latrina Walden

Latrina is the Founder & CEO of Latrina Walden Exam Solutions (LWES). Her background is in creating a NP Academy that supports and educates current and future nurses through an Academy.
Follow her on Linkedin for more tips & advice in the nursing world.

Table of Contents

    Mastering SSRI drug names, side effects, mechanisms of action, and understanding key drug interactions like those with MAOIs is 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
    Study Tips & Professional Development - Join our Newsletter

    Sign up for our newsletter and stay ahead in your NP journey with exclusive insights, expert study tips, and exciting professional development opportunities! Join now for a thriving career as an empowered NP.

    Are you *