Pharmacology · single question
A patient taking fluoxetine (SSRI) for depression wants help quitting smoking. Which statement is INCORRECT regarding his prescription for smoking cessation?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Fluoxetine alone is an approved first-line medication for smoking cessation
B) Fluoxetine being a first-line smoking cessation drug — INCORRECT (this is the false statement).
Fluoxetine (Prozac) is an SSRI used for depression — it is NOT an approved or first-line medication for smoking cessation. Approved options include bupropion (Wellbutrin/Zyban) and varenicline (Chantix). Combining fluoxetine with another antidepressant (like bupropion for smoking) requires caution due to serotonin syndrome risk.
A) Combining SSRIs with other antidepressants (like bupropion) can increase serotonin activity and poses risk — this is TRUE.
C) Varenicline + SSRIs: Caution needed — TRUE statement.
D) Bupropion for smoking cessation: TRUE — it is FDA-approved.
Fluoxetine (Prozac) is an SSRI used for depression — it is NOT an approved or first-line medication for smoking cessation. Approved options include bupropion (Wellbutrin/Zyban) and varenicline (Chantix). Combining fluoxetine with another antidepressant (like bupropion for smoking) requires caution due to serotonin syndrome risk.
A) Combining SSRIs with other antidepressants (like bupropion) can increase serotonin activity and poses risk — this is TRUE.
C) Varenicline + SSRIs: Caution needed — TRUE statement.
D) Bupropion for smoking cessation: TRUE — it is FDA-approved.