A pharmacist is training staff to support people collecting prescribed antidepressant medication. One customer says that the tablets have reduced her low mo...
Question 1 Report
A pharmacist is training staff to support people collecting prescribed antidepressant medication. One customer says that the tablets have reduced her low mood, but she stopped taking them after two weeks because of nausea. Staff must communicate without implying that medication is the only explanation or treatment for depression.
(a) Name the class of medication commonly prescribed to increase serotonin availability. [1]
(b) Describe how this medication is thought to affect communication between neurones. [1]
(c) Evaluate one practical issue illustrated by the customer's experience. [2]
Answer Details
(a) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor / SSRI. [1]
(b) It reduces/restricts serotonin reuptake so more serotonin remains in the synapse / is available to the receiving neurone. [1]
(c) Nausea is a side effect that can reduce adherence [1], so the treatment may not be effective in practice unless the person receives medical support or an alternative treatment [1].
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