medication management
Instructed in new medication Alprazolam to manage anxiety. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as drowsiness, light-headedness, headache, confusion, tremor, dizziness, syncope, depression, insomnia, memory impairment, nervousness, minor changes in EEG patterns, hypotension, tachycardia, blurred vision, nasal congestion, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, increased salivation, weight gain or loss, muscle rigidity, dermatitis. Avoid hazardous activities that require alertness and good psychomotor coordination until CNS effects of drug are known. Avoid alcohol while taking drug. Smoking may decrease effectiveness of drug. Do not stop using drug abruptly because withdrawal symptoms or seizures may occur.
Instructed in new medication Temazepam to manage insomnia. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as drowsiness, dizziness, lethargy, disturbed coordination, daytime sedation, confusion, nightmares, vertigo, euphoria, weakness, headache, fatigue, nervousness, anxiety, depression, blurred vision, diarrhea, nausea, dry mouth, physical and psychological dependence. Avoid alcohol during therapy. Caution when performing activities that require mental alertness or physical coordination. Instructed not to discontinue drug abruptly if it is taken for 1 month or longer.
Instructed in new medication Amitriptyline to manage depression. In additon, warned of possible S/E such as coma, seizures, hallucinations, delusions, disorientation, ataxia, tremor, peripheral neuropathy, anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, headache, extrapyramidal reactions, MI, stroke, arrhythmias, heart block, orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, ECG changes, hypertension, edema, blurred vision, tinnitus, mydriasis, increased intraocular pressure, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, epigastric distress, diarrhea, constipation, paralytic ileum, urine retention, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, eosinophilia, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, rash, urticaria, photosensitivity, diaphoresis and hypersensitivity reaction. Instructed to take full dose at bedtime but warned patient of possible morning orthostatic hypotension. Avoid alcohol during drug therapy. Consult MD before taking other medications. Avoid activities that require alertness and good psychomotor coordination until CNS effects of drug are known. Drowsiness and dizziness usually subside after a few weeks. Dry mouth may be relieved with sugarless hard candy or gum. Saliva substitutes may be needed. Instructed to use a sun block, wear protective clothing and avoid prolonged exposure to strong sunlight. To prevent photosensitivity reactions. Do not stop drug therapy abruptly.
Instructed in new medication Aspirin to manage rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as tinnitus, hearing loss, nausea, GI distress, occult bleeding, dyspepsia, GI bleeding, leukopenia, hepatitis, rash, urticaria and others.
Instructed in measures to control or to live with Parkinson's disease such as exercising daily with regular rest periods, learning walking techniques, following safety precautions, obtaining adequate nutrition, obtaining emotional support, taking medication as ordered, getting help as needed, wearing an identification bracelet, etc.
Instructed in new medication Atenolol to manage hypertension. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as fatigue, lethargy, vertigo, drowsiness, dizziness, fever, bradycardia, hypotension, heart failure, intermittent claudication, nausea, diarrhea, thrombocytopenia, hyperkalemia, hypoglycemia, increased risk of developing type-two diabetes, dyspnea, bronchospasm, rash and leg pain. Instructed to take drug exactly as prescribed at the same time every day. Do not stop drug suddenly but do call prescriber if unpleasant adverse reactions occur. If pulse rate is below 60 beats/minute, stop taking drug and call prescriber. Women: notify prescriber if pregnancy occurs. Drug usage might be discontinued.
Instructed in new medication Atorvastatin to reduce cholesterol levels. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as headache, asthenia, insomnia, peripheral edema, rhinitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, urinary tract infection, arthritis, arthralgia, myalgia, bronchitis, rash, infection, flu-like syndrome, and allergic reaction.
Instructed in new medication Synthroid and in S/E such as nervousness, insomnia, tremor, headache, fever, tachycardia, palpitations, arrhythmias, angina pectoris, cardiac arrest, diarrhea, vomiting, menstrual irregularities, weight loss, allergic skin reactions, diaphoresis or heat intolerance.
Instructed in new medication Metaproterenol sulfate, to manage bronchial asthma. In addition, warned of possible S/E such as vertigo, headache, nervousness, dry and irritated throat, vomiting, nausea, dry mouth, etc.
Instructed in D/C planning. Instructed to keep MD appointments, take medication exactly as MD ordered and report any S/E and/or S/S to avoid further complications.