depression
Instructed in new medication Plavix to reduce atherosclerotic events. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, depression, pain, edema, hypertension, rhinitis, epistaxis, abdominal pain, gastritis, constipation, diarrhea, ulcers, arthralgia, coughing, rash, pruritus and others.
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 in possible complication of urinary incontinence such as urinary tract infections (cloudy, foul-smelling, urine), depression and loss of self-esteem, skin breakdown, etc.
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 SO on how symptoms differ among individuals, depending on the severity of the case: sensitivity to cold temperature, dry skin, constipation, forgetfulness, chronic fatigue, decreased heart rate, depression, hair loss, weight gain, muscle stiffness and cramping, lack of facial expression, enlarged tongue.
Instructed patient about possible complications of urinary incontinence, such as, urinary tract infections (cloudy, foul-smelling, urine), depression and loss of self-esteem, skin breakdown, etc.