A client diagnosed with insomnia, triggered by anxiety, is prescribed paroxetine (Paxil). When the client asks the nurse why an antidepressant has been prescribed, which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?
1. "Paxil is a sedative–hypnotic that will enhance sleep."
2. "There is a link between insomnia and anxiety. Many antidepressants that are effective for treating anxiety are also given to treat insomnia."
3. "Antidepressant medications are safer than other medications used to induce sleep."
4. "Antidepressants act immediately, allowing for faster relief from insomnia."
Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Paxil is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is used to treat anxiety-induced insomnia.
Rationale 2: There is a pathophysiologic link between sleep and anxiety, and many of the drugs used to treat anxiety also are effective for treating insomnia.
Rationale 3: Antidepressants have a lower abuse potential than do other medications used to induce sleep, but that is not the reason this client was prescribed the antidepressant.
Rationale 4: SSRIs can take months for optimum therapeutic benefit to be achieved.
Global Rationale: There is a pathophysiologic link between sleep and anxiety, and many of the drugs used to treat anxiety also are effective for treating insomnia. Paxil is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is used to treat anxiety-induced insomnia. Antidepressants have a lower abuse potential than do other medications used to induce sleep, but that is not the reason this client was prescribed the antidepressant. SSRIs can take months for optimum therapeutic benefit to be achieved.
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