Classifications
First-line therapy for depression
SSRI'S
Fluoxetine (SSRI) is primarily prescribed to treat what condition?
Depression
Agitation, sweating, diarrhea, tremors, hyperreflexia, and fever in a patient taking serotonergic medications suggest what condition?
Serotonin syndrome
What should the nurse monitor closely when a patient first starts an antidepressant?
Suicidal thoughts/behavior and worsening depression.
How long can it take for an antidepressant to produce its full therapeutic effect?
Several weeks (4-6 weeks)
Venlafaxine and duloxetine belong to which drug class?
SNRIs
Which antidepressant class may also be useful for some types of chronic pain?
SNRI's
What major adverse effect should the nurse monitor for in a patient taking a benzodiazepine?
CNS/respiratory depression
What vital sign is especially important to monitor in a patient taking an MAOI?
Blood pressure
What should patients taking benzodiazepines avoid?
Alcohol and CNS depressants
Amitriptyline belongs to which drug class?
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
Venlafaxine is commonly used to treat this condition.
Depression and GAD
Dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and urinary retention are characteristic of what adverse-effect?
Anticholinergic effects, particularly with TCAs
What should the nurse assess before administering a benzodiazepine?
Level of consciousness
Respiratory status
Fall risk.
What type of foods should patients taking MAOIs avoid?
Foods high in tyramine, such as aged cheeses and cured/fermented meats
Selegiline belongs to which drug class?
MAOIs
Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam are commonly used for what conditions?
Acute anxiety
Seizures
Alcohol withdrawal
Which serious adverse effect is associated with bupropion?
Seizures
A client taking trazodone reports dizziness when standing and feeling very sleepy. The nurse should monitor the client for side effect of the medication?
orthostatic hypotension and falls
A client taking an antidepressant wants to stop the medication suddenly because they are feeling better. What should the nurse teach the client?
Do not stop the medication abruptly; Gradually taper the medication?
Lorazepam and temazepam, belong to which drug class of anxiolytics?
Benzodiazepines
Buspirone is primarily used for what condition?
Generalized anxiety disorder.
A patient taking an MAOI develops a severe headache and markedly elevated blood pressure. What should the nurse suspect?
Hypertensive crisis
A patient taking an SSRI is prescribed another serotonergic medication. What is the nurse's priority?
Monitor for serotonin syndrome
A client prescribed bupropion should be taught that taking higher-than-prescribed doses can increase the risk of this serious adverse effect.
Seizures