A patient reports feeling drowsy after taking a first-generation antihistamine. Which statement is the most appropriate response for the health care provider to give the patient?
a. The drowsiness will probably worsen over time.
b. This effect can be reversed by taking a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant at the same time.
c. The patient should not take any further doses of this drug.
d. Tolerance to the drowsiness should develop within a few days or weeks.
ANS: D
Drowsiness is more common with first-generation histamine1 (H1) antagonists than with sec-ond-generation drugs and is characterized by slowed reaction times, diminished alertness, and drowsiness in 20% of patients. Impaired performance occurs whether or not the patient feels drowsy. This is particularly of concern in older adults, who are at high risk for falls. Fortunately, tolerance to the sedative effect of H1 antagonists often develops within a few days or weeks.
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