The nurse is caring for a patient who is being treated for peptic ulcer disease. Which medication should the patient be taught to avoid?

Choice A rationale

Barbiturates are a class of drugs that were once commonly used to treat conditions like anxiety and insomnia. However, they have largely been replaced by other classes of drugs, such as benzodiazepines, because barbiturates have a high risk for physical and psychological dependence.
Choice B rationale
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are primarily used to treat pain and inflammation. While they can cause side effects, they do not typically lead to physical or psychological dependence.
Choice C rationale
Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia. While they can lead to physical and psychological dependence, they are not rarely used. In fact, they are among the most commonly prescribed medications for these conditions.
Choice D rationale
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant medication. They can be used to treat anxiety, but they do not typically lead to physical or psychological dependence.

Choice A rationale
Paroxetine (Paxil) is an SSRI used for the treatment of panic disorder. It can be taken with or without food. Taking it at bedtime can help manage some side effects like nausea and drowsiness.
Choice B rationale
Combining herbal medication with paroxetine is not recommended without consulting a healthcare provider. Some herbal supplements can interact with paroxetine and cause serious conditions like serotonin syndrome.
Choice C rationale
Weight changes are a possible side effect of paroxetine. Therefore, monitoring for weight changes while taking this medication is important.
Choice D rationale
It’s important to note that it can take several weeks before the patient feels like the medication is helping. This is a normal part of the process and patients should be encouraged to continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if they don’t feel immediate relief.