A serotonin reuptake inhibitor, such as Fluoxetine, may be prescribed for this patient because she has a disturbed sleep pattern, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. These three symptoms could correlate with an altered mood. Prozac works by blocking the reabsorption of the serotonin neurotransmitter and causing an increase of the amount of serotonin in the brain. It is believed to increase the client’s mood, improve sleeping patterns, and enhance the thought process. This medication is commonly used to treat major depressive disorders (Henry et al., 2016).
Some important teachings to give the client when administering the first dose are to avoid caffeine, monitor daily weights because weight loss is a common adverse effect in the early stages of therapy, monitor for the signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome such as increased body temperature, fast heart rate, frequent loose stools, sweating, tremors, and/or anxiety, watch for bleeding or bruising if the medication is given with a blood thinner, and advise the client that fatigue or dizziness can occur (Henry et al., 2016). Serotonin syndrome can occur when there’s an excessive amount of serotonin in the body and can cause changes in mental status and heart function. If the patient observes any of the symptoms listed above, she should notify the physician and nurse immediately
Some changes I expect to see with the client after 2 months of treatment are increased appetite, reduced fatigue, return to a normal sleep pattern, improved concentration and thought process, reduced thoughts of guilt, improved mood, and the patient appears to be content with her appearance, mood, and thoughts. If the client is not displaying the expected outcomes, the physician may prescribe an SNRI such as Venlafaxine, an atypical antidepressant such as Bupropion, or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor such as Phenelzine.