Central Nervous System Drugs

Antidepressants Practice Questions

20 free Antidepressants practice questions for the Pharmacology, each with the correct answer and a detailed explanation. Open any question below, or take the full set as an interactive quiz.

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All Antidepressants questions

20 questions
  1. Q1. Which of the following describes the primary mechanism of action of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)?
  2. Q2. Which antidepressant is known for its dual mechanism of inhibiting both serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake, but lacks the significant alpha-blocking and ant…
  3. Q3. A patient taking a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) consumes aged cheese and red wine, leading to a hypertensive crisis. This 'cheese reaction' is caused by…
  4. Q4. Which tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) is frequently used in the management of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) due to its high selectivity for serotonin reup…
  5. Q5. The '3 C's'—Coma, Convulsions, and Cardiotoxicity—are classic signs of overdose for which class of antidepressants?
  6. Q6. Which antidepressant is associated with a lower risk of sexual dysfunction and weight gain, and is also FDA-approved for smoking cessation?
  7. Q7. Serotonin Syndrome is a life-threatening condition that can occur when SSRIs are combined with which of the following substances?
  8. Q8. Which antidepressant acts as an antagonist at presynaptic alpha-2 autoreceptors, leading to increased release of both serotonin and norepinephrine?
  9. Q9. Which SSRI has a half-life of about 4–6 days and an active metabolite that persists in the body for weeks?
  10. Q10. Which of the following is a potential side effect of Trazodone that requires immediate medical attention?
  11. Q11. Why are TCAs generally avoided in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or narrow-angle glaucoma?
  12. Q12. Vortioxetine is classified as a 'serotonin modulator and stimulator' because it inhibits SERT and also acts as a:
  13. Q13. Which of the following antidepressants is often used at low doses as a sleep aid due to its potent H1-histamine receptor antagonism?
  14. Q14. Which lab parameter should be monitored in elderly patients starting an SSRI, due to the risk of SIADH?
  15. Q15. What is the clinical significance of the 'black box warning' on all antidepressant medications?
  16. Q16. Which SSRI is notorious for having the shortest half-life and the most significant withdrawal (discontinuation) symptoms?
  17. Q17. Selegiline is a unique MAOI because when administered via a transdermal patch at low doses, it:
  18. Q18. Which of the following is a common side effect of SNRIs that is not typically seen with SSRIs?
  19. Q19. Vilazodone acts as an SSRI and also as which of the following?
  20. Q20. Which TCA is the most 'noradrenergic,' meaning it has the highest selectivity for inhibiting norepinephrine reuptake over serotonin?