A patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder began taking escitalopram 5 days ago. The patient now says, "This medicine isn't working." The nurse's best intervention would be to
A) discuss with the health care provider the need to increase the dose.
B) reassure the patient that the medication will be effective soon.
C) explain the time lag before antidepressants relieve symptoms.
D) critically assess the patient for symptoms of improvement.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Escitalopram is an SSRI antidepressant. One to three weeks of treatment is usually necessary before symptom relief occurs. This information is important to share with patients.

A Patient Diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder Began Taking Escitalopram