dizziness
SN instructed patient about Gabapentin ( Neurontin ). It is a medication used to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain and hot flashes. It is also used for restless leg syndrome. It is a first line agent for the treatment of neuropathic pain arising from diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, and central neuropathic pain. Most common side effects of gabapentin in adult patients include dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, weight gain, and peripheral edema. It may also produce sexual dysfunction in some patients, symptoms of which may include loss of libido, inability to reach sexual climax, and erectile dysfunction. It should be used carefully in patients with renal impairment due to possible accumulation and toxicity. Warning of an increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in patients taking gabapentin. Report to Physician or nurse if any of those side effect / adverse reaction occurs.
SN instructed that Valsartan is an angiotensin receptor antagonist, with particularly high affinity for the type I angiotensin receptor. Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects: allergic reaction: itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing, change in how much or how often you urinate, bloody or cloudy urine, confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, numbness in your hands, feet, or lips, lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
SN instructed patient and caregiver on strategies that can significantly help decrease the risk of a fall such as: skid-proof mats or strips in the shower and bathtub, removal of furniture that can slip away if grabbed accidentally for support, supportive non-slip footwear and not walking in stocking feet. SN also instructed on side effects of most medications taking that could possibly cause dizziness and to report it so that it can be addressed by physician. Patient and caregiver voiced understanding of all instructions given.
SN instructed that Torsemide is a loop diuretic. It works by making the kidney eliminate larger amounts of electrolytes ( especially sodium and potassium salts ) and water than normal ( diuretic effect ). It is used to treat edema ( swelling ) associated with heart, kidney, or liver failure, or with conditions in which there is excess body water. It is also used alone or with other medicines to treat high blood pressure. Torsemide may increase the amount of urine or cause you to urinate more often when you first start taking it. To keep this from disturbing your sleep, try to take your dose before 6 pm. If you also take cholestyramine, do not take it within 4 hours before or after taking torsemide. may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects. Torsemide may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Weight should be monitored while taking this medication.
SN instructed that doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic. It fights bacteria in the body. Take doxycycline exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Take doxycycline with a full glass of water. Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking this medicine. Most brands of doxycycline may be taken with food or milk if the medicine upsets your stomach. Different brands of doxycycline may have different instructions about taking them with or without food. Take Oracea on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.Call your doctor at once if you have: changes in your vision; severe stomach pain, diarrhea that is watery or bloody, fever, swollen glands, body aches, flu symptoms, weakness, skin rash, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness; upper stomach pain ( may spread to your back ), loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice ( yellowing of the skin or eyes ); chest pain, irregular heart rhythm, feeling short of breath; confusion, nausea and vomiting, swelling, rapid weight gain, little or no urinating; new or worsening cough with fever, trouble breathing;increased pressure inside the skull - skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads ( especially in the face or upper body ) and causes blistering and peeling. Severe headaches, ringing in your ears, dizziness, nausea, vision problems, pain behind your eyes; or severe skin reaction - fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes.
SN instructed patient and caregiver about Fentanyl Patch. This medication is used to help relieve severe ongoing pain. Fentanyl belongs to a class of drugs known as narcotic ( opiate ) analgesics. It works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain. Use this medication on a regular schedule as directed by your doctor, not as needed for sudden ( breakthrough) pain. Apply this medication to the skin as directed by your doctor. Do not apply on burns, cuts, irritated skin, or skin that has been exposed to radiation ( x-ray treatment ). Select a dry, non - hairy area on a flat part of your body, such as the chest, sides, back, or upper arms. To avoid irritation, apply to a different area each time. Be sure to remove the old patch before applying a new patch. The used patch still contains enough fentanyl to cause serious harm, even kill a child or pet, so fold it in half with the sticky sides together and discard properly. Some side effects are nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, or headache may occur. Mild irritation, itching, or redness at the application site may also occur. Some of these side effects may decrease after you have been using this medication for a while. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor. To prevent constipation, eat a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. Ask your pharmacist for help in selecting a laxative ( such as a stimulant type with stool softener ).
SN instructed about Morphine. This is can slow or stop your breathing, especially when you start using this medicine or whenever you dose is changed. Never take morphine in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to morphine: hives; difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call your doctor at once if you have: slow heart rate, sighing, weak or shallow breathing, chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats, extreme drowsiness, feeling like you might pass out. Morphine is more likely to cause breathing problems in older adults and people who are severely ill, malnourished, or otherwise debilitated. Common morphine side effects may include: drowsiness, dizziness; constipation, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, tired feeling, anxiety or mild itching.
SN instructed patient / caregiver regarding medication Diltiazem. Explained that Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that is used in the treatment of hypertension, angina pectoris, and some types of arrhythmia. Explained that the side effects of this medication includes stuffy nose, skin rash or itching, dizziness, headache, tired feeling, nausea or warmth, itching, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin. Instructed to notify Physician if experiencing persistence or worsening of medication side effects.
SN instructed patient / caregiver on Xanax / Alprazolam Which is a medication in the class of benzodiazepines. Explained that this medication is indicated in the management of anxiety and panic attacks and that it works by acting on the CNS to decrease anxiety. Explained to patient that the side effects include: dizziness, drowsiness, lethargy, headache, rashes, nausea, vomiting. Explained that abrupt discontinuation of this medication can cause withdrawal symptoms such as: sweating, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, tremors and seizures. Instructed patient to avoid ETOH, CNS depressants, and grapefruit juice while taking Xanax. Instructed to notify Physician if experiencing unrelieved anxiety or if experiencing persistence or worsening of medication side effects
SN instructed patient / caregiver on Hydrocodone is an orally active narcotic analgesic ( pain reliever ) and antitussive ( cough suppressant ). SN instructed patient / caregiver that common side effects include dizziness, light - headedness, nausea, sedation, vomiting. SN instructed that side effects may be alleviated by lying down, and if they persist or worsen to notify physician. SN instructed to call physician immediately if the patient experiences slow / irregular breathing, slow / irregular heartbeat, change in the amount of urine or any allergic reactions. SN instructed patient / caregiver not to take more than 8 tabs in one day and wait 6 hours in between administration to avoid complications.