A nurse is caring for a client who is taking venlafaxine (Effexor). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching? Select all that apply.
Change positions slowly
Avoid alcohol
Take with food
Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets
Take medication at bedtime.
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D
• Venlafaxine (Effexor) is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that can cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when changing positions. Therefore, the client should change positions slowly to prevent dizziness or fainting.
• Venlafaxine (Effexor) can also increase the risk of bleeding when combined with alcohol or other drugs that affect blood clotting. Therefore, the client should avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
• Venlafaxine (Effexor) can cause nausea, especially when taken on an empty stomach. Therefore, the client should take it with food to reduce this adverse effect.
• Venlafaxine (Effexor) comes in both immediate-release and extended-release forms.
The extended-release tablets are designed to release the drug slowly over time and should not be altered. Therefore, the client should not crush or chew extended-release tablets as this can affect the drug’s absorption and effectiveness.
Choice E is wrong because taking venlafaxine (Effexor) at bedtime can cause insomnia due to its stimulating effects on the central nervous system. Therefore, the client should take it in the morning or early afternoon.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
• Venlafaxine (Effexor) is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that can causeorthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when changing positions.Therefore, the client shouldchange positions slowlyto prevent dizziness or fainting.
• Venlafaxine (Effexor) can also increase the risk ofbleedingwhen combined with alcohol or other drugs that affect blood clotting.Therefore, the client shouldavoid alcoholwhile taking this medication.
• Venlafaxine (Effexor) can causenausea, especially when taken on an empty stomach.Therefore, the client shouldtake it with foodto reduce this adverse effect.
• Venlafaxine (Effexor) comes in both immediate-release and extended-release forms.
The extended-release tablets are designed to release the drug slowly over time and should not be altered.Therefore, the client shouldnot crush or chew extended-release tabletsas this can affect the drug’s absorption and effectiveness.
Choice E is wrong because taking venlafaxine (Effexor) at bedtime can causeinsomniadue to its stimulating effects on the central nervous system.Therefore, the client should take it in the morning or early afternoon.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Citalopram (Celexa) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that can cause insomnia as a side effect.Taking the medication in the morning can help reduce this effect and improve the client’s sleep quality.
Choice B is wrong because the client should not stop taking citalopram abruptly, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headache, and irritability.
The client should consult with the provider before discontinuing any medication.
Choice C is wrong because taking citalopram at night can worsen the insomnia and interfere with the client’s rest and recovery.
Choice D is wrong because taking citalopram with food does not affect its absorption or efficacy. The client can take citalopram with or without food according to their preference.
Normal ranges for citalopram are 20 to 40 mg per day for adults.The therapeutic plasma level is 40 to 120 ng/mL.
The client should have regular blood tests to monitor the drug level and avoid toxicity.
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