Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada Examination (RPNCE) Practice test

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Canada Examination. Enhance retention with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each offering insights and explanations. Ace your exam!

Practice this question and more.

Which is a common side effect of SSRIs?

Orthostatic hypotension
Mania
Serotonin syndrome
Headache

The correct answer is: Headache

When considering the common side effects of SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), headaches are indeed frequently reported by patients. This side effect arises because SSRIs influence serotonin levels not only in the brain but also throughout the body, which can lead to changes in vascular tone and potentially cause headaches. While other side effects related to SSRIs exist, such as orthostatic hypotension or serotonin syndrome, they are less common when compared to headaches. Mania can occur in susceptible individuals, particularly those with bipolar disorder, but it is not a direct or common side effect of SSRIs for the general population. Thus, the prominence and frequency of headaches make this answer the most representative of typical responses when patients begin SSRIs.