RNSG 1538 - Anti-Depressant and Mood Stabilizers Quiz. Questions & Answers.

RNSG 1538 - Anti-Depressant and Mood Stabilizers Quiz. Questions & Answers. 1. Anti-Depressant and Mood Stabilizers Quiz Which classification of drugs is the most potentially fatal if a client takes an overdose? Tricyclic Antidepressants Tricyclic antidepressants can create fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Overdosage of tricyclic antidepressants occurs over several days and results in confusion, agitation, hallucinations, hyperpyrexia, and increased reflexes. Seizures, coma, and cardiovascular toxicity can occur with ensuing tachycardia, decreased output, depressed contractility, and atrioventricular block. Because many older adults have concomitant health problems, cyclic antidepressants are used less often in the geriatric population than newer types of antidepressants that have fewer side effects and less drug interactions. Dopaminergics Phenothiazine antipsychotics Antihistamines A client has been treated for major depression and is taking antidepressants. He asks the nurse, "How long do I have to take these pills?" The nurse should tell the client? "The medication can be discontinued when you do not have suicidal thoughts." "Once you are feeling better the medication can be discontinued." "You will need to take the medication for at least 3 months." "Antidepressants are prescribed for 18-24 months before consideration of discontinuation to reduce the risk of relapse."