Question

The psychiatrist on call comes in to evaluate J.B. After meeting with J.B., the psychiatrist writes an order for escitalopram (Lexapro) 10 mg daily at bedtime. J.B. is scheduled to see the psychiatrist the day after he is discharged from the hospital.

11. What special instructions will you give him regarding the Lexapro? Select all that apply. a. The full effects of the medication might not be seen for 4 to 6 weeks. b. The medication may cause nausea, dry mouth, sedation, and insomnia. c. There are no known food interactions. d. The herbal product St. John's wort will enhance the action of the Lexapro. e. Taking a glass of wine at bedtime will help him go to sleep.

12. Why do you think that a drug in the SSRI class was chosen over a tricyclic antidepressant or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)?

Answer 1

A) All available antidepressants take up to 3-4 weeks to exert significant therapeutic effects

B) The medication is an SSRI it has side effects like nausea, anxiety, diarrhoea,delayed ejaculation, decreased libido, serotonin syndrome

C) Compared to other classes like MAO inhibitors these have less food interactions

D) St John's wort will act by increasing serotonin when administered together with SSRI causes increase in serotonin levels causing serotonin syndrome

E) It's better not to take any wine while he is on medication

12) SSRI was chosen because

TCA have many side effects mainly anticholinergic side effects, postural hypotension, arrhythmias,sedation

MAO INHIBITORS have main side effect like cheese reaction