NURS 1566 Clinical Form 3: Clinical Medications Worksheets

(You will need to make additional copies of these forms)

Generic Trade Name Classification Dose Route Time/frequency

Name Remeron Antidepressants 15 mg PO Q Day at bedtime
Mirtazapine
Peak Onset Duration Normal dosage range
6 weeks or 1-2 weeks Unknown 15 mg/day as a single bedtime dose initially; may be
more increased q 1-2 weeks up to 45 mg/day
Why is your patient getting this medication For IV meds, compatibility with IV drips and/or solutions
Treatment of new onset depression r/t resent loss of N/A
spouse

Mechanism of action and indications Nursing Implications (what to focus on)

(Why med ordered)
Potentiates the effects of norepinephrine and
serotonin. Therapeutic Effects: antidepressant action
which may develop over several weeks
Interactions with other patient drugs, OTC or herbal
medicines (ask patient specifically)
May cause hypertension, seizures, and death when
used with MAO inhibitors. Increased CNS depression Be sure to teach the patient the following about this
with other CNS depressants
Nursing Process- Assessment Assessment
(Pre-administration assessment) Why would you hold or not give this Check after giving
Assess mental status med?
Significant changes in BP. Seizure
activity.
Contraindications/warnings/interactions
Hypersensitivity. Concurrent MAO inhibitor therapy. Use
cautiously in history of seizures; history of suicide attempt;
may increase the risk of suicide attempt especially during
early therapy.
Common side effects
CNS: drowsiness, abnormal dreams, abnormal thinking,
agitation, anxiety, apathy, confusion, dizziness, malaise,
weakness. EENT: sinusitis. RESP: dyspnea, increased
cough. CV: edema, hypotension, vasodilation. GI:
constipation, dry mouth, increased appetite, abdominal pain,
anorexia, elevated liver enzymes, nausea, vomiting. GU:
urinary frequency. DERM: pruritus, rash. F&E: increased
thirst. HEMAT: agranulocytosis. METAB: weight gain,
hypercholesterolemia, increased triglycerides. MS:
arthralgia, back pain, myalgia. NEURO: hyperkinesias,
hyperesthesia, twitching. MISC: flu like syndrome.
Lab value alterations caused by medicine
Assess CBC ad hepatic function before and periodically
during therapy
medication
Take as directed, do not double doses, may cause dizziness
and drowsiness. Change positions slowly to avoid
orthostatic hypotension.
Evaluation
Evaluate symptoms of
depression, sense of well
being, increase in appetite,
energy level, improvement in
sleeping patterns