The health care provider (HCP) prescribes paroxetine to a client with depression. What statement by the client indicates proper understanding of the medication?

Question

The health care provider (HCP) prescribes paroxetine to a client with depression.  What statement by the client indicates proper understanding of the medication?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Paroxetine (Paxil) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) often prescribed for major depression and anxiety disorders. Other SSRIs include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), and sertraline (Zoloft). Weight gain is a common side effect of long-term SSRI use. The nurse should teach the client to eat a healthy diet and engage in regular exercise to combat the weight gain. Other major side effects of SSRIs include increased suicide risk (at the beginning of therapy), sexual dysfunction, and serotonin syndrome when taken in excess doses. (Option A) SSRIs should not be stopped abruptly without discussion with the HCP. Dosages should be gradually tapered before discontinuation to avoid withdrawal symptoms. (Option C) Most clients will start to see symptom improvement in 1-2 weeks. However, some may take several weeks and require dose adjustments. Clients should continue to take the medication and discuss it with the HCP. (Option D) SSRIs can cause sexual dysfunction. Clients should notify the HCP for a change of medication or to add medications to increase sexual performance. Educational objective: The major side effects of SSRIs include increased suicide risk (at the beginning of therapy), sexual dysfunction, weight gain, and serotonin syndrome (excess doses). It may take several weeks for the therapeutic effects of SSRIs to begin; they should never be discontinued abruptly.

The Health Care Provider (HCP) Prescribes Paroxetine to a Client