Question

The next patient at the clinic is taking fluoxetine (Prozac). He is 5 ft, 6 in tall, weighs 120 lb, and has been receiving the medication for 6 weeks. He reports that he feels like a “cloud has been lifted from my mind.” What additional data would be appropriate to collect during this visit?

When a patient is starting therapy with an MAOI, what health teaching is important?

Answer 1

Additional data regarding suicidal thought,hallucinations or illusion, anorexia,anxiety, compulsive behaviour has to be assessed.

When a patient is taking MAOI (Monoamine Oxidase inhibitors) the following heslth teaching for the patient is necessary because it is a strong anti depressant drug.

• Food containing tyramine (strong cheeses, smoked fish or meat,over ripe fruits,broad beans,pepperoni,salami) should be avoided because it may cause hypertensive crisis
• No OTC medications
• Avoid dietary supplements without order
• Report any serious side effects like nausea,vomiting, insomnia, dizziness,headache, low BP,difficulties in urinating,weight gain,tingling sensation in skin)
• No alcohol
• No driving