Drugs Used in Depression: Comprehensive Learning Quizzes for Pharmacy Students

Question 1

Which of the following is a tricyclic antidepressant?

Accepted Answer

Amitriptyline

Answer

Citalopram

Answer

Fluoxetine

Answer

Phenelzine

Question 2

What is the primary mechanism of action of **selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)**?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of serotonin reuptake

Answer

Inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake

Answer

Blockade of histamine receptors

Answer

Enhancement of dopamine release

Question 3

When should an SSRI be discontinued before surgery to minimize the risk of serotonin syndrome?

Accepted Answer

48 hours prior

Answer

24 hours prior

Answer

1 week prior

Answer

No discontinuation is necessary

Question 4

Which of the following antidepressants has a relatively high risk of cardiovascular side effects?

Accepted Answer

Desvenlafaxine

Answer

Mirtazapine

Answer

Bupropion

Answer

Paroxetine

Question 5

Which of the following is a common indication for the use of bupropion in depression?

Accepted Answer

Atypical depression

Answer

Melancholic depression

Answer

Psychotic depression

Answer

Seasonal affective disorder

Question 6

What is the most common adverse effect associated with agomelatine?

Accepted Answer

Somnolence

Answer

Nausea

Answer

Dizziness

Answer

Suicidal ideation

Question 7

Which of the following is the primary mechanism of action of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake

Answer

Inhibition of serotonin reuptake

Answer

Inhibition of monoamine oxidase B

Answer

Enhancement of GABAergic transmission

Question 8

Which of the following drugs is a reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase A?

Accepted Answer

Moclobemide

Answer

Phenelzine

Answer

Tranylcypromine

Answer

Selegiline

Question 9

What is the primary target of action for the neurotransmitter serotonin in the treatment of depression?

Accepted Answer

5-HT1A receptors

Answer

5-HT1B receptors

Answer

5-HT2A receptors

Answer

5-HT3 receptors

Question 10

Which of the following drugs belongs to the group of atypical antidepressants?

Accepted Answer

Mirtazapine

Answer

Amitriptyline

Answer

Fluoxetine

Answer

Venlafaxine

Question 11

What is the main advantage of using SNRIs over SSRIs in the treatment of depression?

Accepted Answer

Broader spectrum of action

Answer

Improved efficacy

Answer

Fewer side effects

Answer

Lower risk of drug interactions

Question 12

Which of the following is **not** a mechanism of action of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)?

Accepted Answer

Presynaptic α2-receptor **agonism**

Answer

Inhibition of norepinephrine reuptake

Answer

Inhibition of serotonin reuptake

Answer

Postsynaptic 5-HT1A agonism

Question 13

Which of the following antidepressants is typically used for the treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

Accepted Answer

Bupropion

Answer

Fluoxetine

Answer

Sertraline

Answer

Vortioxetine

Question 14

Which of the following belongs to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?

Accepted Answer

Fluoxetine

Answer

Amitriptyline (Tricyclic antidepressant)

Answer

Phenelzine (MAOI)

Answer

Venlafaxine (SNRI)

Question 15

Which of the following adverse effects is commonly associated with the use of tricyclic antidepressants?

Accepted Answer

Anticholinergic effects (e.g., dry mouth, blurred vision)

Answer

Serotonin syndrome (Excessive serotonin activity)

Answer

Tardive dyskinesia (Involuntary movements)

Question 16

Which antidepressant is usually reserved for second-line treatment due to its potential hepatotoxicity?

Accepted Answer

Nefazodone

Answer

Trazodone

Answer

Paroxetine

Answer

Mirtazapine

Question 17

What is a contraindication for prescribing monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)?

Accepted Answer

Concomitant use with serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Answer

Mild liver impairment

Answer

Renal failure

Question 18

What is the primary mechanism of action of venlafaxine?

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of both serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake

Answer

Antagonism at muscarinic receptors

Answer

Activation of beta-adrenergic receptors

Answer

Inhibition of monoamine oxidase

Question 19

What is an appropriate strategy to reduce the risk of discontinuation syndrome associated with antidepressants?

Accepted Answer

Tapering the dose gradually over time

Answer

Switching abruptly to a different antidepressant

Answer

Increasing the dose rapidly

Answer

Combining multiple antidepressants

Question 20

Which of the following is a well-established risk factor for developing depression?

Accepted Answer

Family history of depression

Answer

Adequate sleep

Answer

High socioeconomic status

Answer

Regular physical activity

Question 21

What is the generally recommended duration of treatment for acute depression?

Accepted Answer

At least 6 months to ensure remission and reduce the risk of relapse

Answer

3-4 months

Answer

Until all symptoms completely resolve

Answer

1-2 months

Question 22

Which of the following is a potential negative consequence of untreated depression?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Answer

Enhanced social functioning

Answer

Improved academic performance

Answer

Reduced severity of physical symptoms