Questions and Answers
What class of medication is Sertraline (Zoloft)?
What is the expected pharmacological action of Sertraline?
Inhibits neuronal uptake of serotonin in the CNS.
What are the therapeutic uses of Sertraline?
Antidepressant action, decreased incidence of panic attacks, decreased obsessive and compulsive behavior, decreased social anxiety.
Which of the following is a contraindication for using Sertraline?
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What are some common complications of Sertraline?
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What type of drug interactions can occur with Sertraline?
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What should nursing interventions include when administering Sertraline?
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How should Sertraline be administered?
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What client education is necessary when prescribing Sertraline?
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What indicates an effective response to Sertraline?
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Study Notes
Sertraline Overview
- Classification: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) used in mental health treatments.
Pharmacological Action
- Inhibits serotonin uptake in the central nervous system (CNS), enhancing serotonin activity with minimal impact on norepinephrine or dopamine.
Therapeutic Uses
- Effective as an antidepressant, reduces panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and social anxiety.
- Alleviates feelings of fear and helplessness, helps manage premenstrual dysphoria.
Contraindications and Precautions
- Contraindicated in hypersensitivity, use with MAO inhibitors, pimozide, and in patients with known alcohol intolerance.
- Use cautiously in severe hepatic or renal impairment, history of mania, and angle-closure glaucoma.
- Risk of neonatal serotonin syndrome if used during the third trimester of pregnancy; caution advised when breastfeeding.
Complications (Adverse Reactions)
- Central Nervous System (CNS): Risk of suicidal thoughts, dizziness, insomnia, agitation, and emotional lability.
- Gastrointestinal (GI): Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, and changes in appetite.
- Other effects: Include sexual dysfunction, increased sweating, potential for serotonin syndrome, and various neurological symptoms.
Drug Interactions
- MAO inhibitors can cause serious, potentially fatal reactions; both drug classes must be ceased 14 days prior to switching.
- Increased risk of serotonin syndrome with concurrent use of other serotonergic drugs (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, certain pain medications).
- Use with alcohol not recommended; may increase bleeding risk with NSAIDs or warfarin.
- Cimetidine can raise blood levels and effects when taken concurrently.
Nursing Interventions
- Assess patients for suicidal thoughts, especially during early stages of treatment.
- Monitor appetite, nutritional intake, and weight weekly to address any significant changes.
- Evaluate patients periodically for symptoms of serotonin syndrome, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and panic attacks.
- Ensure appropriate follow-up and support for mood and behavioral changes.
Medication Administration
- Administer orally, either in the morning or evening as a single dose.
Client Education
- Encourage adherence to dosing schedule; missed doses should be taken as soon as remembered, but avoid doubling doses.
- Warn against abrupt cessation due to risk of withdrawal symptoms.
- Advise avoiding alcohol and other CNS depressants; highlight the importance of discussing any new medications with healthcare professionals.
- Educate on managing side effects like dry mouth and the importance of sunscreen due to potential photosensitivity.
- Emphasize the need for follow-ups to gauge treatment progress and effectiveness.
Evaluation of Effectiveness
- Therapeutic effects may take 1-4 weeks; indicators of success include improved mood, decreased anxiety, and reduced obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
- Regular assessment of symptoms related to PTSD and premenstrual dysphoric disorder is crucial to determine the medication's impact.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Sertraline, an SSRI medication commonly used for treating depression and anxiety disorders. This quiz covers its pharmacological actions, therapeutic uses, and effects on neurotransmitters. Get ready to enhance your understanding of this important medication!
