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Sertraline initiation counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyCNS TherapeuticsSertraline initiation counsellingGPhC CRA

A 29-year-old woman starts sertraline 50mg once daily for depression. She asks when she should feel better and says she felt mildly nauseated after the first dose. She has no suicidal thoughts and takes no other medicines. What would you advise the patient?

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Correct answer: D — Benefit may take a few weeks and early nausea can occur

SSRIs commonly take several weeks to improve depressive symptoms, and early gastrointestinal effects such as nausea may occur. Patients should be advised to continue as prescribed and seek help if mood worsens or suicidal thoughts occur. St John's wort can interact with antidepressants. Extra doses increase adverse-effect risk without improving onset.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS Depression