Zoloft (Sertraline)

• Antidepressants are a class of medications used to treat various mood disorders.

Zoloft (Sertraline)

• A Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI).
• Treats major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
• Action: Inhibits serotonin reuptake in the brain, elevating synaptic cleft serotonin levels to improve mood.
• Contraindicated with concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), pimozide, or disulfiram (with oral concentrate) and with known hypersensitivity to sertraline.
• Side effects: Nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, dizziness, dry mouth, sexual dysfunction, and increased risk of suicidal thoughts in young adults.
• Before giving, assess for bipolar or seizure disorders, get baseline liver tests, and evaluate for suicidal ideation.
• Administer with or without food, preferably at the same time daily.
• Monitor for serotonin syndrome, especially when combined with other serotonergic drugs.
• Observe for worsening depression or emergent suicidal thoughts.
• After giving, monitor for side effects like gastrointestinal or sleep disturbances.
• Ensure adherence to medication regimen, and educate about the importance of not abruptly discontinuing the medication.

Lexapro (Escitalopram)

• An SSRI.
• Treats major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
• Action: Increases brain serotonin levels by inhibiting reuptake into the presynaptic neuron.
• Contraindicated with concurrent use of MAOIs, and with known hypersensitivity to escitalopram.
• Side effects: Nausea, insomnia, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, and increased risk of suicidal thoughts in young adults.
• Before giving, assess for bipolar disorder, obtain baseline electrolyte levels (especially sodium), and evaluate for suicidal ideation.
• Administer once daily, with or without food.
• Monitor for serotonin syndrome and increased anxiety or agitation.
• After giving, monitor for side effects like gastrointestinal or sleep disturbances.
• Ensure adherence to medication regimen, and educate about the importance of not abruptly discontinuing the medication.

Paxil (Paroxetine)

• An SSRI.
• Treats major depressive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• Action: Inhibits serotonin reuptake in the brain, elevating synaptic cleft serotonin levels.
• Contraindicated with concurrent use of MAOIs or thioridazine; known hypersensitivity to paroxetine.
• Side effects: Nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, sexual dysfunction, and increased risk of suicidal thoughts in young adults.
• Assess for bipolar disorder, obtain baseline liver and kidney function tests, and evaluate for suicidal ideation before giving.
• Administer in the morning to reduce insomnia.
• Monitor for serotonin syndrome and increased anxiety or agitation.
• After giving, monitor for side effects like gastrointestinal or sleep disturbances.
• Ensure adherence to medication regimen, and educate about the importance of not abruptly discontinuing the medication.

Clozaril (Clozapine)

• Nursing responsibilities include obtaining baseline WBC and ANC before administration.
• Assess for seizure or cardiac issues, and evaluate for a history of agranulocytosis or hypersensitivity to clozapine.
• Monitor WBC and ANC weekly for the first 6 months, then biweekly as per protocol.
• Watch for signs of myocarditis (chest pain, dyspnea, palpitations) and monitor for CNS depression or sedation during administration.
• After administration, educate the patient to report signs of infection (fever, sore throat).
• Regularly monitor weight, lipid profile, and glucose levels, and reinforce the need for regular blood tests.

Prozac (Fluoxetine)

• An SSRI.
• Treats major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, panic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
• Action: Inhibits serotonin reuptake in the presynaptic neuron, increasing serotonin activity in the CNS.
• Contraindicated with concurrent use with MAOIs or pimozide; use within 14 days of MAOI therapy, and with known hypersensitivity to fluoxetine.
• Side effects: Nausea, headache, insomnia, anxiety, sexual dysfunction, increased risk of suicidal ideation (especially in young adults), and serotonin syndrome.
• Before giving, assess for bipolar disorder or seizures, obtain a medication history to avoid drug interactions (e.g., MAOIs, other SSRIs), and assess for suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
• Administer in the morning to reduce insomnia.
• Monitor for serotonin syndrome and increased agitation or mood changes, especially in early treatment.
• After giving, educate the patient about the potential delayed onset of therapeutic effects (1-4 weeks).
• Reinforce adherence to prescribed dose (do not abruptly stop medication), monitor for gastrointestinal side effects, and report significant weight changes.

Ativan (Lorazepam)

• A Benzodiazepine.
• Treats anxiety disorders and provides short-term relief of anxiety symptoms.
• Action: Enhances the effects of GABA in the brain, producing a calming effect.
• Contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity to lorazepam or other benzodiazepines and acute narrow-angle glaucoma.
• Side effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, unsteadiness, and potential for dependence with prolonged use.
• Before, assess the patient's anxiety level and need for medication, review their substance abuse history, and check for potential drug interactions.
• Administer as prescribed, monitoring for immediate adverse reactions and making sure the patient is in a safe environment due to potential sedation.
• Monitor vital signs, especially respiratory rate.
• After, evaluate the effectiveness of the medication in reducing anxiety, monitor for dependence or withdrawal symptoms, and educate the patient about avoiding alcohol and operating heavy machinery.

Valium (Diazepam)

• A Benzodiazepine.
• Manages anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
• Action: Enhances the effects of GABA in the brain, producing a calming effect.
• Contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity to diazepam or other benzodiazepines, severe respiratory insufficiency, and sleep apnea syndrome.
• Side effects: Drowsiness, fatigue, muscle weakness, and ataxia.
• Assess the patient's anxiety level and muscle spasm severity, review their substance abuse history, and check for potential drug interactions before giving.
• Administer as prescribed, monitoring for immediate adverse reactions and making sure the patient is in a safe environment due to potential sedation.
• Monitor vital signs, especially respiratory rate.
• After giving, evaluate the effectiveness of the medication in reducing anxiety or muscle spasms, monitor for dependence or withdrawal symptoms, and educate the patient about avoiding alcohol and operating heavy machinery.

Xanax (Alprazolam)

• A Benzodiazepine.
• Treats anxiety disorders and panic disorders.
• Action: Enhances the effects of GABA in the brain, producing a calming effect.
• Contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity to alprazolam or other benzodiazepines and concurrent use with ketoconazole or itraconazole.
• Side effects: Drowsiness, light-headedness, and potential for dependence with prolonged use.
• Prior to administration, it is important to assess the patient's level of anxiety and need for medication.
• Review the patient's history for substance abuse.
• Check for potential drug interactions.
• Administer the medication as prescribed, monitoring for immediate adverse reactions.
• Ensure the patient is in a safe environment due to potential sedation.
• Monitor vital signs, especially respiratory rate.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the medication in reducing anxiety.
• Monitor for signs of dependence or withdrawal symptoms.
• Educate the patient about avoiding alcohol and operating heavy machinery.

BuSpar (Buspirone)

• An Anxiolytic (non-benzodiazepine).
• Manages generalized anxiety disorder or provides short-term relief of anxiety symptoms.
• Action: Thought to involve partial agonist activity at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors and some dopamine receptor affinity. The exact mechanism is not fully understood.
• Contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity to buspirone; use with MAO inhibitors can cause a hypertensive reaction.
• Dizziness, headache, nausea, nervousness, lightheadedness, and blurred vision are potential side effects.
• Assess baseline anxiety level using appropriate scales before giving.
• Check for liver or renal impairment (dose may need adjustment) and review the medication list to avoid interactions, especially with MAOIs.
• Administer consistently (with or without food) to maintain stable blood levels.
• Monitor for the onset of side effects, like dizziness and headache.
• Educate the patient that therapeutic effects may take 1-2 weeks.
• Reassess anxiety levels to evaluate effectiveness after giving.
• Monitor adherence to therapy; emphasize not to double doses if one is missed.
• Educate about avoiding alcohol and grapefruit juice (which may increase side effects).

Librium (Chlordiazepoxide)

• A Benzodiazepine.
• Used to treat anxiety disorders and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
• Action: Enhances GABA activity in the CNS, resulting in anxiolytic, sedative, and muscle relaxant effects.
• Contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity to chlordiazepoxide or other benzodiazepines, narrow-angle glaucoma, and severe respiratory insufficiency.
• Side effects: Drowsiness, ataxia, confusion, constipation, and the risk of dependence and withdrawal.
• Prior to administration, assess baseline anxiety level or symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
• Check for a history of substance abuse or respiratory conditions.
• Review current medications for interactions (e.g., CNS depressants).
• Administer with or without food, monitor for sedation, and regularly assess respiratory status and level of consciousness.
• Ensure safety precautions due to fall risk in sedated patients.
• After administration, evaluate the effectiveness in relieving anxiety or withdrawal symptoms.
• Monitor for signs of dependence, especially with long-term use.
• Educate patients on the importance of not stopping abruptly to avoid withdrawal seizures.

Haldol (Haloperidol)

• A First-generation (typical) antipsychotic.
• Treatment for schizophrenia, other psychotic disorders, tics caused by Tourette syndrome, and certain severe behavioral problems in children.
• Blocks dopamine receptors in the brain, reducing dopamine's effects and helping to manage psychotic symptoms.
• Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to haloperidol; individuals with severe CNS depression; Parkinson's disease; comatose states.
• Side effects include constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, uncontrolled movements, blood disorders, and heart rhythm changes.
• Prior to administration, assess baseline mental status and vital signs.
• Evaluate the patient's history of cardiovascular disorders.
• Check for potential drug interactions.
• During administration, monitor for extrapyramidal symptoms.
• Observe for signs of orthostatic hypotension and ensure proper administration technique, especially if given intramuscularly.
• Reassess mental status and symptom improvement.
• Monitor for tardive dyskinesia.
• After, it's essential to educate the patient about potential side effects and the importance of adherence.

Thorazine (Chlorpromazine)

• A First-generation (typical) antipsychotic.
• Treats schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and nausea and vomiting.
• Blocks dopamine receptors in the brain, reducing psychotic symptoms.
• Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to chlorpromazine, severe CNS depression, and bone marrow suppression.
• Side effects include constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, uncontrolled movements, blood disorders, and low blood pressure upon standing.
• Prior to administration, assess for a history of cardiovascular disease.
• Evaluate liver function tests and review current medications for interactions.
• Monitor for signs of sedation and observe for extrapyramidal symptoms during administration.
• Ensure patient safety due to potential dizziness.
• After, reassess mental status and symptom control.
• Monitor for signs of agranulocytosis and educate the patient on avoiding alcohol and sudden position changes.

Prolixin (Fluphenazine)

• A First-generation (typical) antipsychotic.
• Treats psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia.
• Blocks dopamine receptors in the brain, reducing psychotic symptoms.
• Contraindicated with hypersensitivity to fluphenazine, severe CNS depression, and bone marrow suppression.
• Side effects include blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, uncontrolled movements, blood disorders, and low blood pressure upon standing.
• Assess for a history of seizures, evaluate liver and kidney function, and review the patient's medication history before giving.
• Monitor for extrapyramidal symptoms and observe for signs of orthostatic hypotension during administration.
• Ensure proper administration technique, especially for depot injections.
• After administration, reassess mental status and symptom improvement.
• Monitor for tardive dyskinesia and educate the patient about the importance of regular follow-up appointments.

Loxitane (Loxapine)

• Assess for a history of respiratory or cardiac disorders and evaluate baseline mental status and vitals before giving.
• Review other CNS depressants or interactions.
• Monitor for extrapyramidal symptoms and observe for orthostatic hypotension or excessive sedation during administration.
• Ensure proper positioning and supervision post-dosing, especially if given as inhalation (Adasuve form).
• Reassess psychotic symptoms and behavioral response after giving.
• Watch for tardive dyskinesia or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (rare but serious) and educate the patient on adherence and avoiding alcohol or operating machinery.

Abilify (Aripiprazole)

• A Atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic.
• A treatment for schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, major depressive disorder (adjunct), irritability associated with autism, and Tourette syndrome.
• Action: Partial agonist at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors and antagonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors.
• Modulates dopamine and serotonin activity in the brain.
• Contraindicated with known hypersensitivity to aripiprazole or any components of the formulation.
• Side effects: Headache, akathisia (restlessness), insomnia, nausea, anxiety, weight gain, dizziness, and risk of suicidal thoughts (especially in younger patients).
• Assess for a history of cardiovascular disease, seizures, or suicidal thoughts. before giving
• Evaluate baseline mental and neurological status.
• Check weight and vital signs and screen for diabetes risk (can affect glucose metabolism).
• Monitor for signs of restlessness (akathisia) or other extrapyramidal effects during administration.
• Observe for mood changes or worsening depression and ensure the patient takes it consistently, with or without food.
• After administration, reassess psychiatric symptoms and level of functioning.
• Monitor for long-term side effects like weight gain, elevated glucose, or lipid abnormalities.
• Educate the patient and family about adherence, avoiding alcohol, and reporting unusual behaviors.

Risperdal (Risperidone)

• A Atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic.
• Treatment for schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder (acute manic or mixed episodes), and irritability associated with autistic disorder.
• Action: Functions as an antagonist at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2 receptors, helping to balance neurotransmitters in the brain.
• Contraindicated with known hypersensitivity to risperidone or any of its components.
• Side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, sedation, and seizures.
• Before administration: Assess baseline mental status and behavior patterns.
• Evaluate renal and hepatic function tests, and review the patient's history for cardiovascular diseases.
• During administration: Monitor for signs of extrapyramidal symptoms (e.g., tremors, rigidity).
• Observe for orthostatic hypotension; advise the patient to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions and to ensure medication is taken consistently, with or without food.
• After administration: Reassess mental status to determine efficacy.
• Monitor for tardive dyskinesia, especially with long-term use, and educate the patient on the importance of adherence and reporting any side effects.

Zyprexa (Olanzapine)

• A Atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic.
• Used to manage schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder (manic or mixed episodes), and agitation associated with these disorders.
• Action: Olanzapine antagonizes dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2 receptors in the central nervous system, contributing to its antipsychotic effects.
• Contraindicated in cases of known hypersensitivity to olanzapine or any of its components.
• Side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, sedation, and seizures. It is important to instruct patients to avoid activities requiring alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until they know how the medication affects them.
• Before administration: Assess baseline mental status and behavior patterns, evaluate liver function tests, and review the patient's history for cardiovascular diseases.
• Monitor for signs of sedation and advise caution with activities requiring alertness during administration.
• Observe for orthostatic hypotension; advise patients to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions.
• Ensure medication is taken consistently, with or without food.
• Reassess mental status to determine efficacy, monitor for weight gain and advise on diet and exercise.
• Educate the patient on the importance of adherence and reporting any side effects after administration.

Seroquel (Quetiapine)

• A Atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic.
• Used in the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (manic and depressive episodes), and as an adjunct in major depressive disorder.
• Action: Involves the antagonism of multiple neurotransmitter receptors in the brain, including serotonin 5-HT2 and dopamine D2 receptors.
• Contraindicated in cases of known hypersensitivity to quetiapine or any of its components.
• Side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and fainting, so patients should avoid activities requiring alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until they know how the medication affects them.
• Assess baseline mental status and behavior patterns before giving.
• Evaluate liver function tests and review the patient's history for cardiovascular diseases.
• During administration, monitor for signs of sedation and advise caution with activities requiring alertness.
• Observe for orthostatic hypotension; advise the patient to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions.
• Ensure medication is taken consistently, with or without food.
• Reassess mental status to determine efficacy after giving.
• Monitor for weight gain and advise on diet and exercise and educate the patient on the importance of adherence and reporting any side effects.

Geodon (Ziprasidone)

• An atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic.
• Treats schizophrenia and acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder.
• Antagonizes dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2 receptors in the brain, helping to balance neurotransmitters and improve mood and behavior.
• Contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity to ziprasidone or any of its components; known QT prolongation or recent myocardial infarction.
• Side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea. Serious side effects may include QT prolongation, which can lead to serious heart rhythm problems.
• Before giving assess baseline mental status and behavior patterns.
• Evaluate cardiac history and perform ECG if necessary and review the patient's history for electrolyte imbalances.
• Monitor for signs of sedation and advise caution with activities requiring alertness during administration.
• Observe for orthostatic hypotension; advise the patient to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions.
• Ensure medication is taken consistently, with or without food.
• Reassess mental status to determine efficacy after treatment.
• Monitor for signs of QT prolongation and advise the patient to report any palpitations or dizziness and educate the patient on the importance of adherence and reporting any side effects.

Haldol (Haloperidol)

• A first-generation (typical) antipsychotic.
• Treats schizophrenia, acute psychosis, and tics associated with Tourette syndrome.
• Blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the brain, which helps to reduce symptoms of psychosis and agitation.
• Contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity to haloperidol or any of its components, Parkinson's disease, severe central nervous system depression, and coma.
• Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. While serious side effects may include extrapyramidal symptoms (e.g., tremors, rigidity), tardive dyskinesia, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
• Before administration, assess baseline mental status and behavior patterns.
• Evaluate renal and hepatic function tests and review the patient's history for cardiovascular diseases.
• During administration, monitor for signs of extrapyramidal symptoms and advise the patient to report any involuntary movements.
• Observe for orthostatic hypotension; advise the patient to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions and ensure medication is taken consistently, with or without food.
• Reassess mental status to determine efficacy after treatment.
• Monitor for signs of tardive dyskinesia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome and educate the patient on the importance of adherence and reporting any side effects.