SSRI Flashcards
Learn common drug names, therapeutic uses, complications, contraindications/precautions, interactions and nursing administration (29 cards)
SSRI
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
paroxetine
Paxil or Seroxat
sertraline
Zoloft
citalopram
Celexa
escitalopram
Cipralex or Lexapro
fluoxetine
Prozac or Sarafem
fluvoxamine
Luvox
Pharmacological action
Selectively inhibits serotonin reuptake, allowing more serotonin to stay at the junction of the neurons.
Produces CNS stimulation which can cause insomnia.
Therapeutic use of Paroxetine
GAD Panic disorder (decrease frequency and intensity of panic attacks) OCD Social anxiety disorder Trauma and stressor-related disorders Dissociative disorders Depressive disorders Adjustment disorders
Therapeutic uses of Sertraline
Panic disorder
OCD
social anxiety disorder
PTSD
Therapeutic uses of Escitalopram
GAD
OCD
Therapeutic uses of Fluoxetine
Panic disorder
OCD
PTSD
Therapeutic uses of Fluvoxamine
OCD
Social anxiety disorder
Complications
Early adverse effects Later adverse effects Weight gain GI bleeding Hyponatremia Serotonin Syndrome Bruxism Withdrawal Syndrome Postural hypotension Suicidal ideation
Nursing considerations for early adverse effects
look for nausea, diaphoresis, tremor, fatigue, and drowsiness in the first few days/weeks.
Report to provider
take med as prescribed
advise pt that the effects should soon subside
Nursing considerations for late adverse effects
After 5-6 weeks of therapy: sexual dysfunction
Instruct client to report problems (provider may reduce dose, take a break from the med, or change med
Nursing considerations for weight gain
advise pt to follow a well-balanced diet and exercise
Nursing considerations for GI bleeding
Use caution with pts with hx of GI bleed or ulcers or taking anticoagulants.
Advise pt to report black stool or coffee-ground emesis
Nursing considerations for hyponatremia
More likely to happen in older adults taking diuretics.
Obtain baseline serum sodium and monitor level periodically throughout treatment.
Nursing considerations for serotonin syndrome
Look for and report: agitation, confusion, disorientation, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, hallucinations, myoclonus (spastic jerky muscle contractions), hyperreflexia, incoordination, tremors, fever, diaphoresis.
Usually begins 2-72 hrs after initiation of tx
Resolves when med is discontinued
Nursing considerations for bruxism
grinding and clenching of teeth
report to the provider who might switch the class of medication
treat with low-dose buspirone
advise pt to use a mouth guard during sleep
Nursing considerations for withdrawal syndrome
Nausea, sensory disturbances, anxiety, tremor, malaise, unease
taper med slowly
do not stop abruptly
Nursing considerations for Postural hypotension
change positions slowly
Nursing considerations for suicidal ideation
Monitor and report depression and thoughts of suicide