The nurse is reviewing medications used for depression. Which of these statements is a reason that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are more widely prescribed today than tricyclic antidepressants?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tricyclic antidepressants cause serious cardiac dysrhythmias if an overdose occurs. Tricyclic antidepressants have a narrow therapeutic index, meaning that even a small overdose can lead to severe toxicity, including cardiac dysrhythmias that can be life-threatening. This risk of overdose toxicity is a significant concern with tricyclic antidepressants and contributes to their decreased use compared to SSRIs.
A: SSRIs having fewer sexual side effects is not the primary reason for their wider use compared to tricyclic antidepressants. While this may be a consideration for some patients, it is not the main factor influencing prescribing patterns.
B: Drug-food interactions are indeed a concern with tricyclic antidepressants, but it is not the primary reason why SSRIs are more widely prescribed today. While SSRIs may have a lower risk of drug-food interactions, it is not the main driving factor behind their increased use.
D: While SSRIs may have
Nokea