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SSRI counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyCNS TherapeuticsSSRI counsellingGPhC CRA

A 32-year-old patient starts sertraline 50mg once daily for depression. They ask when benefit should appear and whether to stop if nausea occurs in the first week. They have no suicidal thoughts today. What would you advise the patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — Benefit may take several weeks and early nausea often settles

SSRIs often take several weeks to produce meaningful antidepressant benefit. Early gastrointestinal adverse effects can occur and may settle, although severe or persistent symptoms should be reviewed. St John's wort can interact with SSRIs and dose-doubling is unsafe.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS