A patient is prescribed 40 mg/day of Fluoxetine, administered once daily. If Fluoxetine is available in 20 mg capsules, how many capsules should the patient take each day?

Choice A reason:Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, promoting neuronal activity. It is not typically targeted for its inhibitory effects in anxiety treatments, as excessive glutamate activity may contribute to heightened anxiety or overstimulation.

Choice B reason:Dopamine is involved in reward, motivation, and movement regulation. While imbalances in dopamine can play a role in some psychiatric conditions, it is not the primary neurotransmitter targeted for its inhibitory effects in anxiety disorders.

Choice C reason:Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, helping to calm neuronal activity and reduce anxiety. Many anti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines, enhance GABA’s effects to promote relaxation and reduce symptoms of anxiety.

Choice D reason:Norepinephrine is an excitatory neurotransmitter associated with the body’s stress response and arousal. Elevated levels are often linked to increased anxiety, so it is not targeted for inhibitory effects in anxiety treatments.

Choice A reason:Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), typically takes several weeks (often 4 to 6 weeks) to produce noticeable improvements in depressive symptoms. Stating that effects will be seen in 2 to 3 days is inaccurate and sets unrealistic expectations for the client.

Choice B reason:Decreased sex drive is a common side effect of fluoxetine and other SSRIs, resulting from changes in serotonin levels affecting sexual function. Informing the client about this potential effect is important for adherence and managing expectations.

Choice C reason:Reduced appetite is a possible side effect of fluoxetine, particularly in the early stages of treatment, as SSRIs can affect appetite regulation. Including this in the teaching helps the client anticipate and manage this change.

Choice D reason:Drooling is not a recognized side effect of fluoxetine. SSRIs like fluoxetine are more likely to cause dry mouth or other gastrointestinal effects, making this an incorrect piece of information to include in the teaching.