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SSRI initiation counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateCNS TherapeuticsSSRI initiation counsellingGPhC CRA

A 28-year-old woman collects sertraline 50 mg daily started 10 days ago. She says her anxiety feels worse, she has mild nausea, and she asks to stop because she has not improved yet. What would you advise the patient?

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

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Correct answer: C — Continue if tolerable and arrange review if symptoms worsen

SSRIs can initially cause nausea and increased anxiety, and therapeutic benefit may take several weeks. If symptoms are tolerable and there is no suicidal ideation or severe adverse effect, continuing with planned review is usually appropriate. The pharmacist should safety-net for deterioration, agitation, self-harm thoughts and serotonin-toxicity symptoms.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS