A 22-year-old student collects sertraline 50mg daily for newly diagnosed depression. He asks when he should expect benefit and whether he can stop it

Question

A 22-year-old student collects sertraline 50mg daily for newly diagnosed depression. He asks when he should expect benefit and whether he can stop it if nausea occurs. He has no suicidal thoughts today and has a follow-up appointment booked. What would you advise the patient?

Accepted Answer

benefit may take a few weeks and troublesome adverse effects should be discussed before stopping

Answer

expect full effect after the first tablet

Answer

use it on days when mood is low

Answer

take it with St John's wort for faster response

Answer

stop after 3 days if nausea occurs and restart at double dose

SSRI counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

A 22-year-old student collects sertraline 50mg daily for newly diagnosed depression. He asks when he should expect benefit and whether he can stop it if nausea occurs. He has no suicidal thoughts today and has a follow-up appointment booked. What would you advise the patient?