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.

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