depression
Medications
Instructed in new medication Alprazolam to manage anxiety. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as drowsiness, light-headedness, headache, confusion, tremor, dizziness, syncope, depression, insomnia, memory impairment, nervousness, minor changes in EEG patterns, hypotension, tachycardia, blurred vision, nasal congestion, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, increased salivation, weight gain or loss, muscle rigidity, dermatitis. Avoid hazardous activities that require alertness and good psychomotor coordination until CNS effects of drug are known. Avoid alcohol while taking drug. Smoking may decrease effectiveness of drug. Do not stop using drug abruptly because withdrawal symptoms or seizures may occur.
Instructed in new medication Temazepam to manage insomnia. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as drowsiness, dizziness, lethargy, disturbed coordination, daytime sedation, confusion, nightmares, vertigo, euphoria, weakness, headache, fatigue, nervousness, anxiety, depression, blurred vision, diarrhea, nausea, dry mouth, physical and psychological dependence. Avoid alcohol during therapy. Caution when performing activities that require mental alertness or physical coordination. Instructed not to discontinue drug abruptly if it is taken for 1 month or longer.
Instructed in new medication Amitriptyline to manage depression. In additon, warned of possible S/E such as coma, seizures, hallucinations, delusions, disorientation, ataxia, tremor, peripheral neuropathy, anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, headache, extrapyramidal reactions, MI, stroke, arrhythmias, heart block, orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, ECG changes, hypertension, edema, blurred vision, tinnitus, mydriasis, increased intraocular pressure, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, epigastric distress, diarrhea, constipation, paralytic ileum, urine retention, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, eosinophilia, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, rash, urticaria, photosensitivity, diaphoresis and hypersensitivity reaction. Instructed to take full dose at bedtime but warned patient of possible morning orthostatic hypotension. Avoid alcohol during drug therapy. Consult MD before taking other medications. Avoid activities that require alertness and good psychomotor coordination until CNS effects of drug are known. Drowsiness and dizziness usually subside after a few weeks. Dry mouth may be relieved with sugarless hard candy or gum. Saliva substitutes may be needed. Instructed to use a sun block, wear protective clothing and avoid prolonged exposure to strong sunlight. To prevent photosensitivity reactions. Do not stop drug therapy abruptly.
Instructed in new medication Aricept to manage moderate dementia of the Alzheimer type. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as headache, insomnia, dizziness, fatigue, depression, abnormal dreams, somnolence, seizures, tremor, irritability, paresthesia, aggression, vertigo, ataxia, restlessness, abnormal crying, nervousness, aphasia, syncope, pain, chest pain, hypertension, vasodilation, atrial fibrillation, hot flashes, hypotension, cataract, blurred vision, eye irritation, sore throat, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, fecal incontinence, GI bleeding, bloating, epigastric pain, frequent urination, ecchymosis, weight loss, dehydration, muscle cramps, arthritis, toothache, bone fracture, dyspnea, bronchitis, pruritus, urticaria, diaphoresis, influenza, and increased libido. The drug does not alter the underlying degenerative disease but can temporarily stabilize or relieve symptoms. Effective therapy depends on taking drug at regular intervals. Instructed to take drug in the evening, just before bedtime. Immediately report significant adverse effects or changes in overall health status. Inform health care team that patient is taking drug before he receives anesthesia. Avoid OTC cold or sleep remedies because of the potential for increased anticholinergic effects.
Instructed patient on new medication Ciprofloxacin HCL, which is used to manage tract infection. In addition, warned of possible S/E, such as, headache, restlessness, tremor, dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, insomnia, depression, light-headedness, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, paresthesia, thrombophlebitis, edema, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain or discomfort, oral candidiasis, pseudomembranous colitis, dyspepsia, flatulence, constipation, crystalluria, interstitial nephritis, eosinophilia, leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, arthralgia, arthropathy, joint or back pain, joint inflammation, joint stiffness, tendon rupture, aching, neck or chest pain, rash, photosensitivity, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, exfoliative dermatitis, burning, pruritus, erythema, hyperpigmentation.
Instructed patient that when using Atenolol he/she should be aware of symptoms of CHF and report inmediately if they appear, for example: difficulty breathing, specially when lying down, night cough, swelling of extremities, dizziness, confusion, depression, fever.
Instructed in new medication Zoloft to manage depression. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as headache, tremor, dizziness, insomnia, somnolence, paresthesia, hypoesthesia, fatigue, nervousness, anxiety, agitation, hypertonia, twitching, confusion, palpitations, chest pain, hot flashes, dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, loose stools, dyspepsia, vomiting, constipation, thirst, flatulence, anorexia, abdominal pain, increased appetite, male sexual dysfunction, myalgia, rash, pruritus and diaphoresis.
Instructed ALF's staff in new medication of Clopidogrel ( Plavix ) to reduce atherosclerotic events. In addition, warned of possible side effects such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, depression, pain, edema, hypertension, rhinitis, epistaxis, abdominal pain, gastritis, constipation, diarrhea, ulcers, arthralgia, coughing, rash, pruritus and others. VITAMIN C Patient was instructed in new medication Vitamin C side effects such as; nausea, vomiting, heartburn, abdominal cramps, and headache. Dental erosion may occur from chronically chewing vitamin C tablets.
Instructed patient in medication Lexapro is an oral drug that is used for treating depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Side effects Nausea, dry mouth, trouble sleeping, constipation, tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, and increased sweating may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly.
Instructed patient in medication Metoprolol is used to treat high blood pressure. It also is used to prevent angina (chest pain) and to improve survival after a heart attack. If your doctor prescribes a low-salt or low-sodium diet, follow these directions carefully. Metoprolol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: dizziness or lightheartedness, tiredness, depression, nausea and dry mouth.