A patient was recently prescribed phenelzine. The patient is taking several other medications for chronic conditions. The nurse should be alert for
Explanation
• Phenelzine, like all monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), has many potential drug-drug interactions. Patients taking MAOIs carry a card alerting medical personnel about the potential drug-drug interactions.
• The most significant risk for those taking MAOIs is interactions with OTC and prescription medications. Tryptophan supplements can cause potentially fatal serotonin syndrome.
• Antidepressant medications like SSRIs and
• Incorrect: Blurry vision is a common and harmless adverse reaction of MAOIs.
• Incorrect: Excessive secretions and rhabdomyolysis are not associated with MAOIs.