While collecting a health history for an older adult patient,the nurse learns that the patient had been prescribed Elavil 3 weeks ago and wants to stop taking it because "It didn't make me feel any better." What information does the nurse share with the patient?
A)Sudden withdrawal is likely to cause a hypertensive crisis.
B)Depression seldom improves without medication.
C)Realistically it will take longer for the patient to feel better.
D)In time,people adjust to the side effects.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Antidepressants often take several weeks to start working and sometimes require dose adjustments before producing a therapeutic effect. It is important for the patient to understand that stopping the medication abruptly is not recommended and may cause withdrawal symptoms. The nurse should also encourage the patient to speak with the prescribing provider before stopping any medication.

While Collecting a Health History for an Older Adult Patient,the