loss-appetite
Medications
SN educated on medication Escitalopram. This medication is used to treat depression in adults and children and teenagers 12 years or older. Escitalopram is also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD; excessive worry and tension that disrupts daily life for 6 months or longer) in adults. It works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance. Escitalopram may cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, changes in sex drive or ability, drowsiness, increased sweating, dizziness, heartburn, stomach pain, excessive tiredness, dry mouth, decreased appetite, weight loss, flu-like symptoms, runny nose, sneezing. Tell your doctor if any of those symptoms are severe or do not go away.
Instructed patient on medication Amiodarone. This medication is used to stabilize the rhythm of your heart. Amiodarone is used to treat ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Take this medication at the same time daily as directed. May take with or without food. Avoid grapefruit, St. John's wort, & sunlight or tanning beds. common side effects include: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite; or constipation. Call your doctor or get medical help at once if you have: chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats, trouble breathing, vision problems, upper stomach pain, vomiting, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or if you cough up blood. Tell your doctor if you have signs of a thyroid problem, such as weight changes, extreme tiredness, dry skin, thinning hair, feeling too hot or too cold, irregular menstrual periods, or swelling in your neck (goiter).
Instructed in new medication Vicodin and in S/E such as constipation, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, dizziness, tiredness, lightheadedness, muscle twitches, sweating, itching, decreased urination and others.
Instructed in new medication Prednisone and in S/E such as euphoria, insomnia, psychotic behavior, vertigo, headache, paresthesia, seizures, pseudotumor cerebri, heart failure, hypertension, edema, arrhythmias, thrombophlebitis, thromboembolism, cataracts, glaucoma, peptic ulceration, GI irritation, increased appetite, pancreatitis, nausea, vomiting, menstrual irregularities, increased urine calcium levels, hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, carbohydrate intolerance, growth suppression in children, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, hirsutism, delayed wound healing, acne and various skin eruptions.
Instructed in new medication Albuterol to prevent or treat bronchospasm in patients with reversible obstructive airway disease. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as tremor, nervousness, dizziness, insomnia, headache, hyperactivity, weakness, CNS stimulation, malaise, tachycardia, palpitations, hypertension, dry and irritated nose and throat (with inhaled form), nasal congestion, epistaxis, hoarseness, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, bad taste in mouth, increased appetite, hypokalemia, muscle cramps, bronchospasm, cough, wheezing, dyspnea, bronchitis, increased sputum or hypersensitivity reactions. Warned patient about possibility of paradoxical bronchospasm. If this occurs, discontinue drug immediately. If more than one inhalation is ordered, instructed to wait at least 2 minutes before repeating procedure. Use of an aero chamber may improve drug delivery to the lungs. If steroid inhaler used, advised to use the bronchodilator first and then advised to wait about 5 minutes before using the steroid. This allows the bronchodilator to open the air passages for maximum effectiveness. Advised to remove canister and wash inhaler with warm, soapy water at least once a week.
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.
Patient was instructed on Lorazepam a benzodiazepines a medication used to treat anxiety disorder. Patient was instructed to take medication exactly as indicated by physician and to avoid the consumption of alcohol. Patient was instructed on side effects such as: •drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness;blurred vision;sleep problems (insomnia);muscle weakness, lack of balance or coordination;amnesia or forgetfulness, trouble concentrating;nausea, vomiting,constipation;appetite changes; or skin rash. If side effect become persistent or worsen contact physician immediately.
SN instructed patient's CG about Quetiapine (Seroquel), it is an atypical antipsychotic approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and along with an antidepressant to treat major depressive disorder. Possible SE/AR may include, dry mouth, dizziness, headache, somnolence. Some common adverse effects, high blood pressure, orthostatic hypotension, high pulse rate, high blood cholesterol, elevated serum triglycerides, abdominal pain, constipation, increased appetite, vomiting, among others.
SN instructed patient / caregiver about Methylprednisolone ( Medrol ), it is a corticosteroid used to treat severe allergies, arthritis, asthma, and skin conditions. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor. Possible side effects, that may go away during treatment, include difficulty sleeping, mood changes, nervousness, increased appetite, or indigestion. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience swelling of feet or legs unusual weight gain black, tarry stools vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds severe nausea or vomiting changes in menstrual periods headache muscle weakness or prolonged sore throat, cold or fever. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. DO NOT stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. Stopping this medicine suddenly may cause serious side effects. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. This medicine makes you more susceptible to illnesses, especially if you take it for an extended period of time. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people who have colds or other infections. Report any injuries or signs of infection (fever, sore throat, pain during urination, or muscle aches) that occur during treatment and within 12 months after stopping this medicine.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Levothyroxine. SN taught patient / caregiver that Levothyroxine is a replacement for a hormone that is normally produced by the thyroid gland to regulate the body's energy and metabolism. SN explained that Levothyroxine is given when the thyroid does not produce enough of this hormone on its own. SN explained that Levothyroxine treats hypothyroidism ( low thyroid hormone ). SN explained that Levothyroxine is also used to treat / prevent goiter. SN taught patient / caregiver about the side effects of this medication such as headache, insomnia, nervous or irritable feeling, fever, hot flashes, sweating, changes in your menstrual periods, appetite changes and weight changes. SN Instructed patient / caregiver to notify physician ( MD ) if experiencing persistent or worsening of side effects.