A patient has been prescribed amitriptyline (Elavil). What does the nurse plan to include in the teaching plan for this patient? (Select all that apply.)
a. "Smoking cigarettes can decrease the effectiveness of amitriptyline in treating your depression."
b. "Check your pulse every day and report any irregular rhythms to your prescriber right away."
c. "Amitriptyline should help to improve your depression symptoms within 7 to 14 days."
d. "Avoid driving or operating dangerous equipment until you know how the drug will affect you."
e. "Be sure to include foods with lots of fiber in your diet to prevent the side effect of constipation."
A, B, D, E
Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). TCA drugs may take anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks to improve depression symptoms. Cigarette smoking can decrease the effectiveness of TCA drugs. Common side effects of TCAs include lethargy, sedation, drowsiness, fatigue, blurred vision, dry mouth, hypotension, and constipation. Additionally, an adverse effect of these drugs that can occur is abnormal heart rhythms.
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