DRUG NAME MECHANISM OF ACTION INDICATION / ADVERSE EFFECT NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES

CONTRAINDICATION
GENERIC: INDICATIONs: CNS: BEFORE:
SETRALINE Inhibits neuronal uptake of serotonin Major depressive disorder. Panic Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, Dx:
in the CNS, thus potentiating the disorder. Obsessive-compulsive suicidal thoughts, dizziness, a. Monitor older adults for
BRAND: activity of serotonin. Has little effect disorder (OCD). Post-traumatic drowsiness, insomnia, anxiety fluid and sodium
ZOLOFT on norepinephrine or dopamine. stress disorder (PTSD). Social EENT: imbalances.
(Discuss mechanism of action as to anxiety disorder (SOCIAL Pharyngitis, rhinitis, tinnitus, b. Assess for history of seizure
CLASS: how it can resolve identified PHOBIA). Premenstrual dysphoric visual abnormalities disorders.
condition, signs and symptoms, or disorder(PMDD) CV: c. Check for allergies.
THERAPEUTIC nursing conditions) Chest pain, palpitations d. Assess baseline mental
ANTIDEPRESSANTS CONTRAINDICATION: GI: status
Hypersensitivity; concurrent use of Diarrhea, dry mouth, nausea Tx:
PHARMACOLOGIC: SOURCE: CON Book or MAO-like drugs (linezolid or GU: a. Supervise patients at risk
SELECTIVE SEROTONIN Drughand book (Follow APA methylene blue); concurrent use of Sexual dysfunction, menstrual for suicide closely during
REUPTAKE INHIBITORS Formatting) pimozide; oral concentrate contains disorder. initial therapy.
(SSRIS) alcohol; avoid patients with known DERM: b. Perform a thorough
intolerance. Sweating, hot flushes, rash physical assessment to
DOSAGE: ENDO: establish baseline data
50 mg. DRUG TO DRUG Diabetes before drug therapy begins,
INTERACTION: MS: to determine the
ROUTE: __________________ Back pain, myalgia effectiveness of therapy,
ORAL NEURO: and to evaluate for the
DRUG TO FOOD Tremor, hypertonia occurrence of any adverse
INTERACTION: MISC: effects associated with drug
_________________ Serotonin syndrome, fever and therapy.
thirst. c. Restrict amount of drug
available to patient.
(Highlight or emphasize adverse d. Periodically assess dose.
effects manifested by the patient EDx:
by underlining the sign and a. Instruct pt. to take
symptoms) sertraline as directed
b. Caution pt. that drowsiness
or dizziness may occur.
c. Educate client on drug
 therapy to promote
compliance.
d. Insure the patient takes the
medication as prescribed.

DURING:
Dx:
a. Asses mental status for
worsening of depression,
suicidal ideation, anxiety,
social functioning, and/or
panic attack(especially
during initiation of therapy
and when dosage is changed
b. Monitor mood changes.
c. Monitor for adverse effects
(e.g. sedation, dizziness,
respiratory dysfunctions,
GU problems, etc).
d. Check for drug or herbal
interactions
Tx:
a. Limit drug access if patient
is suicidal to decrease the
risk of overdose to cause
harm.
b. Administer a major portion
of dose at bedtime as
ordered if drowsiness and
anticholinergic effect are
severe to decrease the risk
of patient injury.
c. Establish suicide
precautions for severely
depressed patients to
 decrease the risk of
overdose to cause harm.
d. Assist pt. in taking the
medication.
EDx:
a. Instruct pt. SO to report
diarrhea, nausea, dyspepsia,
insomnia, drowsiness,
dizziness, or persistent
headache to physician.
b. Report diarrhea, nausea,
dyspepsia, insomnia,
drowsiness, dizziness, or
persistent headache to
physician.
c. Inform of drugs and herbs
that can interact
d. Instruct patient to verbalize
feelings and concerns.
AFTER:
Dx:
a. Assess knowledge/teach
patient appropriate
use ,interventions to reduce
side effects, and adverse
symptoms to report
b. Monitor for effectiveness as
exhibited by a decrease in
symptoms
c. Monitor for side effects.
d. Assess for serotonin
syndrome
Tx:
a. Remember that a lot of
these drugs can cause
 dizziness in the first few
weeks of taking so take
safety precautions.
b. Provide safety measures
(e.g. adequate lighting,
raised side rails, etc.) to
prevent injuries.
c. Provide comfort measures
(e.g. voiding before dosing,
taking food with drug, etc.)
to help patient tolerate drug
effects.
d. Administer drug once a day
in the evening to achieve
optimal therapeutic effects.
EDx:
a. Monitor patient compliance
to drug therapy.
b. Monitor patient for 2-4
weeks to ascertain onset of
full therapeutic effect.
c. Advise pt. to avoid alcohol
intake.
d. Instruct patient to verbalize
feelings and concerns.

categorize your NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES as to Before, During and After giving the medication and each has Dx, Tx and EDx.