A nurse has been caring for a patient on the oncology unit who has been diagnosed with depression. The patient has been started on sertraline. The nurse should educate the patient about which of the following?

Explanation

• Sertraline (Zoloft) is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressant. It may take 1-to-4 weeks for patients to have any significant improvement in symptoms.

• SSRIs should not be stopped suddenly because this can cause serotonin crisis. Serotonin crisis affects mood and thought processes and may produce hostility, agitation, and violent outbursts.

• Patients on SSRIs should be monitored closely by a doctor for symptom control and medication adjustment as needed.

• Side effects of SSRIs may include nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction.

Visit our website for other NCLEX topics now!