In: Nursing
You are a nursing student on your medical surgical rotation. Mrs. S has been diagnosed with depression. As part of her treatment, she has been prescribed Prozac (fluoxetine). Your clinical instructor has informed you that Mrs. S has many questions about the use of Prozac for the treatment of depression. How will you best answer the following questions?
1. How does Prozac work?
2. What are the side effects of taking this drug?
3. What warnings should I be aware of with this drug
Fluoxetine, sold under the brand name Sarafem and Levitra with others, is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake activity (SSRI) class. The use of major depressive disorder in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia nervosa, panic disorder, and premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. It is also used to treat premature ejaculation. Fluoxetine orally.
1) MECHANISM OF ACTION OF THE DRUG PROZAC ( FLUOXETIN):
Fluoxetine, sold under the brand name Sarafem and Levitra with others, is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake activity (SSRI) class. The use of major depressive disorder in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia nervosa, panic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It is also used to treat premature ejaculation. Fluoxetin is administered via orally.
The antidepressant effects of serotonin reuptake on fluoxetine induces them by inhibiting membrane reuptake of the neuronal junction synapse through the pump and increasing its availability enhancing neurotransmission.
2) SIDE EFFCTS OF FLUOXETINE:
* Suicidal thoughts
* decreased sexual desire having trouble with orgasm
* Serotonin syndrome
* Abnormal bleeding
* Mania symptoms
* fluid electroyte imbalance
* decreased appetite or loss of appetite
* panic disorders and anxiety disorders
* weakness or lethargy
*Diarrheal symptoms in gastro intestinal system
*dry mouth
* indigestion might occure
* flu like symptoms
* Present (trouble achieving or maintaining an erection)
* trouble sleeping or insomnia
* nausea
*sore throat
* nasal discharge or mild righnorrea
* drowsiness
* sweating and hot flashes
* tremors (uncontrollable rhythmic movement of the body part)
* Risk for occuring mania
* frequent yawning
3) THINGS TO BE NOTICED WHILE IN THE DRUG THERAPY Of PROZAC
* The drug causes suicidal thoughts and ideations. therefore the care givers should note the patient activity in detail. And also the patient should be monitored continously
* The drug causes drowsiness and lethargy . therefore the patient should not be allowed to use stressfull activity, or other strenos activity.
* Prevent the patient from using heavy machineries to prevent accidents.
* Prevent the patient from doing the driving.
* The patient should undergo blood tests for identifiying the electrolyte balances
* Do not the using this drug along with thioridazine,pimozide etc....
* If allergic symptoms occure the patient should not be used.
* Should not be used in patients with bleeding disorders.
* frequent monitoring of blood glucose should be done because the drug must be causing decrease in blood sugar level.
* Should not be used in the patient who have depressive symptoms and bipolar disorders
* Should not be used in the patients who have liver diseases.
* The patient should be administered with increased fluid intake to prevent dry mouth.
* the patient can use chewing gums to prevent dryness of mouth.
* Decrease fibre content food to prevent the diarheal symptoms.