A patient who has had a loss of interest in most activities, weight loss, and insomnia is diagnosed with major depressive disorder and will begin taking fluoxetine (Prozac) daily. The patient asks about the weekly dosing that a family member follows. What will the nurse tell the patient about a weekly dosing regimen?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Weekly dosing is an option for fluoxetine after the patient has been stabilized on a daily maintenance dose and can improve adherence. However, it is not used after a trial of tricyclic antidepressants fails, and it is not necessarily less effective than daily dosing. Adverse effects may be similar between the two dosing regimens.

A Patient Who Has Had a Loss of Interest in Most