A patient has been prescribed trazodone for the treatment of depression. To manage this medication's most common side effect, the nurse should instruct the patient to take this medication

Before bedtime.

Explanation

• Trazodone is used to treat depression, but more commonly insomnia, and causes drowsiness. It should be taken at bedtime to avoid daytime drowsiness.

• Incorrect: Antacids should not be taken with medications as they may diminish absorption.

• Incorrect: Trazodone can be taken with food or milk to decrease GI upset, but this is not the primary concern.

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