A nurse is caring for a client who has been taking lorazepam (Ativan) for anxiety and insomnia for several months. The client tells the nurse that he wants to stop taking the medication because he feels better now. Which of the following responses should the nurse give?

Lamotrigine can cause a serious and potentially life-threatening skin reaction called Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which causes flu-like symptoms, followed by a red or purple rash that spreads and forms blisters.This is more likely to happen in the first 8 weeks of starting lamotrigine, or when the dose is increased too quickly. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to report any signs of rash immediately and stop taking the medication until further evaluation.

Choice B is wrong because lamotrigine can be taken with or without food. Taking it with food does not affect its absorption or effectiveness.

Choice C is wrong because lamotrigine does not affect hormonal contraceptives, and vice versa.However, the nurse should advise the client to inform their doctor if they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as lamotrigine may have some risks for the fetus.

Choice D is wrong because lamotrigine may take several weeks or months to show therapeutic effects, depending on the condition being treated. The nurse should encourage the client to be patient and adhere to the prescribed regimen.

Choice E is wrong because lamotrigine does not interact with grapefruit juice.However, the nurse should advise the client to avoid alcohol, as it may increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and seizures.

This is because SSRIs can cause increased anxiety in some patients during the first few weeks of treatment, but this usually subsides as the medication takes effect.Discontinuing the medication abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms and worsen the depression.Increasing the dose of the medication is not advisable without consulting the prescriber, as it may increase the risk of adverse effects and serotonin syndrome.Administering an anxiolytic medication may interact with the SSRI and cause excessive sedation or respiratory depression.

Choice A is wrong because discontinuing the medication immediately can cause withdrawal symptoms and worsen the depression.

Choice B is wrong because increasing the dose of the medication is not advisable without consulting the prescriber, as it may increase the risk of adverse effects and serotonin syndrome.

Choice D is wrong because administering an anxiolytic medication may interact with the SSRI and cause excessive sedation or respiratory depression.

Normal ranges for SSRIs vary depending on the specific drug, but generally they are between 20 and 200 ng/mL.The therapeutic effects of SSRIs usually take 3 to 6 weeks to appear.