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SSRI early adverse effects — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyCNS TherapeuticsSSRI early adverse effectsGPhC CRA

A patient starts sertraline for depression and returns after four days with nausea and mild anxiety. They deny suicidal thoughts and ask whether the medicine has failed. What would you advise the patient?

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

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Correct answer: C — Advise that early adverse effects often improve and review is needed

SSRIs can cause early gastrointestinal upset and increased anxiety before mood benefit is seen. The patient should be counselled and safety-netted, with review if symptoms are severe or persistent. In this scenario, the correct option is advise that early adverse effects often improve and review is needed. The other options are plausible but do not address the key clinical, legal or safety issue as directly. This aligns with UK pharmacy practice guidance cited in the reference field.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS