CATEGORY: BENZODIAZEPINES
This medication class works by enhancing GABA in the CNS to produce anxiolytic and sedative effects.
What are benzodiazepines?
This class of antidepressants increases norepinephrine and serotonin by blocking their reuptake.
What are tricyclic antidepressants?
This antidepressant class selectively inhibits serotonin reuptake in the brain.
What are SSRIs?
This medication has a narrow therapeutic range and requires regular blood level monitoring.
What is lithium?
This antidepressant class works by inhibiting the monoamine oxidase enzyme.
What are MAOIs?
This is a priority adverse effect when benzodiazepines are combined with alcohol or opioids.
What is respiratory depression?
Dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision are examples of this type of side effect seen with TCAs.
What are anticholinergic effects?
A client taking fluoxetine should be monitored for this syndrome when combined with other serotonergic agents.
What is serotonin syndrome?
Clients taking lithium should maintain consistency in this dietary intake.
What are sodium and fluids?
Eating aged cheese or cured meats while taking MAOIs can cause this emergency.
What is hypertensive crisis?
Abrupt discontinuation of benzodiazepines places the client at risk for this life-threatening complication.
What are seizures?
TCAs should be used cautiously in clients with this condition due to risk of lethal overdose.
What is suicidal ideation or high suicide risk?
This common SSRI side effect is a frequent reason for nonadherence.
What is sexual dysfunction?
Coarse tremor, confusion, and ataxia are signs of this lithium complication.
What is lithium toxicity?
The priority assessment for suspected MAOI food interaction is this vital sign.
What is blood pressure?
This nursing instruction is essential to reduce fall risk in older adults taking benzodiazepines.
What is changing positions slowly?
This cardiovascular complication is most concerning in a TCA overdose.
What are cardiac dysrhythmias?
SSRIs should not be taken within 2 weeks of medications from this class.
What are MAOIs?
This mood stabilizer carries a risk for hepatotoxicity and pancreatitis.
What is valproic acid?
Clients taking MAOIs must avoid these over-the-counter medications.
What are decongestants or stimulants?
Diazepam is commonly used to treat this emergency neurological condition.
What is status epilepticus?
Because of sedation, TCAs such as amitriptyline are best taken at this time of day.
What is bedtime?
Clients should be taught that therapeutic effects of SSRIs usually take this long to appear.
What is 2–4 weeks?
A widespread rash in a client taking this medication may indicate Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
What is lamotrigine?
MAOIs are typically reserved for clients with this type of depression.
What is treatment-resistant or atypical depression?