20 Min
In Pharmacy CPD Modules
CPD modules help to expand your clinical knowledge on a whole range of topics. Make sure you log your learning so you can track your progress and add to your online revalidation record.
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This is the latest in a series of CPD modules designed to support pharmacists in their conversations with patients who are receiving a medicine for the first time.
This module discusses SSRI antidepressants prescribed for people aged 18 years and over, with a focus on the New Medicine Service (NMS) but with content relevant to all community pharmacists.
The module covers the initial patient conversation and provides a reminder of key medicines’ side-effects and timescales for pharmacy support.
It also provides information about the discussion pharmacists should have with people 7-14 days after their prescription is dispensed, with suggested questions and tips for managing side-effects.
Finally, it considers the follow-up consultation 14-21 days after the initial intervention conversation, again with suggested questions to ask and tips to pass on.
After completing this module, you will know how to prepare for conversations with people who present in your pharmacy with a prescription for an antidepressant for the first time.
You will understand how conversations can be structured and be able to describe common issues that may be experienced with side-effects when starting antidepressant treatment.
Key facts
- A typical pharmacy will have one person each week who is newly diagnosed with depression – many will be prescribed an antidepressant
- Do not assume that an antidepressant prescription is for depression – SSRIs are licensed for other conditions, including anxiety and OCD, so it is worth checking that the person knows the indication
- Antidepressants can take up to four weeks for ‘substantial remission’ but some improvements can be seen much sooner
- Most antidepressant side-effects are temporary and subside in the first few days to weeks of therapy
- When starting a new antidepressant, for some people there is a risk in the short term of suicidal ideation increasing, particularly in young people under 25 years
- The starting dose of an antidepressant is not necessarily the same as the minimum effective dose
- Antidepressants are not addictive but can have withdrawal effects if stopped suddenly
- Antidepressants are most effective when used alongside non-pharmacological interventions, including exercise and addressing social issues such as loneliness.