Medication Guide for Vulnerable Patients: Safe and Effective Antidepressant Use

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TO PREPARE FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT:

· Select a vulnerable patient from the list provided.

· Consider age, birth-assigned sex, FDA approvals, and risk and side-effect consideration.

· Select the most appropriate medication for your selected patient based upon the information provided.

· Review the textbook for commonly prescribed antidepressants,  Fast Facts for Psychopharmacology for Nurse Practitioners.

· Conduct research through the  FDA websiteLinks to an external site..

· Review prescriber information for professionals of the medications. Note: These can be located free online with web search.

· Review national guidelines for prescribing for these vulnerable individuals:

· Depression Treatments for AdultsLinks to an external site.

· Depression Treatments for Older AdultsLinks to an external site.

· Depression Treatments for Children and AdolescentsLinks to an external site.

THE ASSIGNMENT

Step 1: Choose one of the following vulnerable patients to create a Medication Guide for the patient:

· Patient 1: 26-year-old female with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder and social anxiety disorder who is increasing in isolation and poor self-care. She is in her third trimester of pregnancy.

· Patient 2: 16-year-old male with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, severe. He has seen a therapist weekly for the past 6 months and has had minimal change in symptoms. He has expressed thoughts of wanting to die.

· Patient 3: 72-year-old male with diagnosis of major depressive disorder and panic disorder. He has cardiac history and takes antihypertensive medications.

· Patient 4: 8-year-old Asian female with a diagnosis of severe depressive disorder presents to the office with a report of worsening symptoms. She has never taken psychotropic medication before.

Step 2: Create a Medication Guide for a patient. In your guide, you should provide the following specific instructions for the patient:

· Describe the chosen classification of medications, from the classification category, for your chosen vulnerable patient. Explain your rationale for your choice.

· Explain what dose you would start the chosen medication with and the frequency.

· Discuss how the medication works to treat their symptoms.

· Explain how long they should take the medication.

· Discuss the typical or common side effects of the medication.

· Explain the urgent or emergent considerations for the patient taking the medication.

The Medication Guide should also include:

· Directions you would provide the patient on how to take the prescribed medication

· Instructions on what the patient should do if a medication dose is missed

· List of any other medications, over-the-counter medications, and/or supplements/herbals the patient should avoid while taking the prescribed medication

· List of foods the patient should avoid when taking this medication

· Date when the patient should return for follow-up visit with you

· Discussion about the legal and ethical considerations for the medication being prescribed

· Answers in consideration of Social Determinants of Health on how you would:

· Assist the patient who cannot not afford to pay financially for the medication you are recommending/prescribing; and/or

· Has difficulty with transportation that impacts their ability to present for regular appointments with you

· Discuss how financial hardship and lack of transportation could relate to Social Determinants of Health, as well as why they are important considerations for you as a prescriber.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step 1: Understand the Assignment Requirements

  • Objective: Create a Medication Guide for a selected vulnerable patient.
  • Patient Options: Choose one of the following patients:
    • Patient 1: 26-year-old pregnant female with major depressive disorder and social anxiety disorder.
    • Patient 2: 16-year-old male with severe major depressive disorder and suicidal ideation.
    • Patient 3: 72-year-old male with major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and a cardiac history.
    • Patient 4: 8-year-old Asian female with severe depressive disorder, new to psychotropic medications.
  • Key Considerations: Account for age, sex, FDA approvals, and potential risks or side effects.

Step 2: Research and Select an Appropriate Medication


Step 3: Develop the Medication Guide

Your guide should encompass the following sections:

  1. Medication Overview:

    • Classification: Describe the medication class and justify its suitability for the patient.
    • Mechanism of Action: Explain how the medication alleviates depressive symptoms.
  2. Dosage and Administration:

    • Initial Dose: Specify the starting dose and frequency.
    • Administration Instructions: Provide clear guidelines on how to take the medication.
    • Missed Dose Protocol: Advise on steps to take if a dose is missed.
  3. Duration of Therapy:

    • Indicate the recommended length of treatment and any considerations for discontinuation.
  4. Side Effects and Precautions:

    • Common Side Effects: List typical adverse effects.
    • Urgent Concerns: Highlight symptoms that necessitate immediate medical attention.
  5. Interactions and Contraindications:

    • Medication Interactions: Identify drugs, over-the-counter medications, or supplements to avoid.
    • Food Interactions: Specify any dietary restrictions.
  6. Follow-Up Plan:

    • Appointment Schedule: Recommend when the patient should return for evaluation.
  7. Legal and Ethical Considerations:

    • Discuss any legal or ethical issues related to prescribing this medication.
  8. Addressing Social Determinants of Health:

    • Financial Constraints: Propose solutions for patients unable to afford the medication.
    • Transportation Challenges: Suggest strategies for patients with limited access to transportation.
    • Impact Discussion: Explain how these factors influence health outcomes and the importance of considering them in treatment planning.

Step 4: Formatting and Presentation

  • Structure: Use clear headings and subheadings for each section.
  • Length: Aim for a concise yet comprehensive guide, approximately 2-3 pages.
  • Style: Write in a professional, patient-friendly tone.
  • Citations: Reference all sources in APA format.

Step 5: Review and Submit

  • Proofreading: Check for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy.
  • Feedback: Consider seeking input from peers or mentors.
  • Submission: Ensure timely submission as per your course guidelines.

By following this structured approach, you’ll create a thorough and patient-centered Medication Guide that meets the assignment’s requirements.

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