A patient taking duloxetine for depression receives blood tests regularly to monitor for adverse reactions. The nurse informs the patient that the blood tests are for monitoring:
Explanation
•Duloxetine, an SNRI, has been shown to increase serum liver enzymes and cause liver toxicity.
•Duloxetine (Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) is used to treat depression, fibromyalgia, and generalized anxiety disorder.
•Side effects of SNRIs are similar to SSRIs and discontinuation should be gradual.