 Key features of depression and its management in general practice. |
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"..I'd like to return to work.." |
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Which
of the following statements are true of the management of depression |
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1. The elderly tolerate tricyclic antidepressants better than SSRIs. |
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2. Adverse effects of SSRIs are more problematic in older patients than younger patients. |
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3. SSRIs interact with beta-blockers. |
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4. Hormone replacement therapy is useful in the management of depression in the elderly. |
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5. Electroconvulsive therapy is useful in the management of psychotic depression in the elderly. |
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3. SSRIs interact with beta-blockers.
Author's answer: True.
SSRIs are metabolized in the liver and inhibit the drug metabolizing enzyme cytochrome P450, the route through which many other medications commonly taken by older people are metabolized. Such drugs include beta-blockers, type 1C antiarrhythmics, and benzodiazepines. The combination of drugs may result in clinically significant alterations in drug concentration levels or in complex drug interactions.