Medication Overview

Client Psychiatric/Admitting Diagnosis: __________________________________

Medication & Drug Classification Route/Dose/Frequency Purpose
 Major Side Effects
 Nursing Interventions
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) 		Oral: 20-80 mg daily 1. Major depressive disorder
2. OCD
3. Panic disorder
4. Bulimia 		1. Nausea
2. Insomnia
3. Sexual dysfunction 		1. Monitor for suicidal ideation, especially in younger patients
2. Educate about delayed onset (2-4 weeks)
3. Avoid abrupt discontinuation to prevent withdrawal symptoms
Sertraline (Zoloft)
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) 		Oral: 50-200 mg daily 1. Depression
2. PTSD
3. Social anxiety
4. OCD 		1. GI upset
2. Drowsiness
3. Weight changes 		1. Monitor for serotonin syndrome (agitation, confusion, sweating)
2. Advise taking with food to reduce GI effects
3. Educate about sexual dysfunction potential
Venlafaxine (Effexor)
SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor) 		Oral: 37.5-225 mg daily 1. Major depressive disorder
2. Generalized anxiety
3. Panic disorder 		1. Increased blood pressure
2. Headache
3. Sweating 		1. Monitor blood pressure regularly
2. Warn about withdrawal effects if stopped abruptly
3. Encourage hydration due to sweating
Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
Atypical Antidepressant 		Oral: 150-450 mg daily 1. Depression
2. Smoking cessation
3. Seasonal affective disorder 		1. Insomnia
2. Dry mouth
3. Seizure risk 		1. Avoid in patients with a history of seizures or eating disorders
2. Take in the morning to reduce insomnia
3. Monitor for increased anxiety or agitation
Risperidone (Risperdal)
Atypical Antipsychotic 		Oral/IM: 0.5-6 mg daily 1. Schizophrenia
2. Bipolar disorder
3. Autism-related irritability 		1. Weight gain
2. Sedation
3. Increased prolactin 		1. Monitor for extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
2. Encourage a healthy diet and exercise
3. Educate about sedation effects and caution with driving
Lithium
Mood Stabilizer 		Oral: 600-1800 mg daily in divided doses 1. Bipolar disorder
2. Mania prevention 		1. Tremors
2. Polyuria
3. Hypothyroidism 		1. Monitor serum lithium levels (0.6-1.2 mEq/L)
2. Educate about adequate fluid and sodium intake
3. Assess for toxicity signs (confusion, diarrhea, tremors)
Propranolol
Beta Blocker 		10-40/60 mg for Nightmares/General symptoms 1. Intrusive symptoms (PTSD) 1. Fatigue
2. Dizziness
3. Bradycardia 		1. Monitor vitals (BP & HR)
2. Assess for symptom progression/worsening
3. Educate patient on the risks of stopping abruptly