A patient reports having occasional periods of tremors, palpitations, nausea, and a sense of fear. To treat this condition, the nurse anticipates the provider will prescribe a drug in which drug class?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This patient is showing characteristics of panic disorder. All three major classes of antidepressants are effective, but selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are first-line drugs. Benzodiazepines are second-line drugs and are rarely used because of their abuse potential. MAOIs are effective but are difficult to use because of side effects and drug and food interactions. Tricyclic antidepressants are second-line drugs, and their use is recommended only after a trial of at least one SSRI has failed.

A Patient Reports Having Occasional Periods of Tremors, Palpitations, Nausea