Question

A 28-year-old woman presents to your healthcare facility with 6-weeks history of depressed mood, weight gain, anxiety, and fatigue. She reports that she gained 6 kg in the past 2 months. She is very stressed and worried about her job due to decreased ability to concentrate for the past 6 weeks. The physician asks her about any harmful thoughts; she explained she has some thoughts of being better off dead but she does not a definite plan or intent and wouldn't due to her religious beliefs. She reports she has never felt like this before. Her medication is alprazolam 0.5 mg 3 times daily and all routine labs including CBC and TSH were within normal limits. Which medication is the best for her presentation?

A. Mirtazipine
B. Paroxetine
C. Despiramine
D. Fluoxetine
E. Clozapine

Answer 1

Based on the presented symptoms, the best medication for this woman would be Fluoxetine (D. Fluoxetine). Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and is commonly used in the treatment of depression.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the presented symptoms, the best medication for this woman would be Fluoxetine (D. Fluoxetine). Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and is commonly used in the treatment of depression. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the central nervous system, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression.

The woman in the case presentation reports symptoms such as depressed mood, weight gain, anxiety, fatigue, and decreased ability to concentrate. These symptoms are consistent with major depressive disorder. While other antidepressant medications, such as Mirtazipine and Paroxetine, may also be effective, Fluoxetine is often considered a first-line treatment due to its efficacy and relatively favorable side effect profile.

It is important for the woman to consult with her physician before starting any new medication, as the physician will be able to provide individualized treatment recommendations based on her specific case.