A Patient Who Has Been Taking an Antidepressant for 2

question 19

Multiple Choice

A patient who has been taking an antidepressant for 2 months shares with the nurse,"Since my depression is over,I've stopped the Prozac and I won't need to see you any longer." Which response by a nurse would be most therapeutic?

• A) "Do you recall that we discussed the need for you to take the medication for up to 1 year before trying to taper off the drug? Let's discuss why it's not advisable to stop your medication abruptly."
• B) "It is not recommended that you stop the antidepressants abruptly. I strongly suggest that you continue seeing me regularly to ensure that any change in your condition will be treated immediately."
• C) "You should not discontinue your medication without consulting your psychiatrist. You will very likely experience withdrawal symptoms and become more depressed than you were before."
• D) "Although it isn't wise to stop the medication as you have, you seem to be handling things very well. Call me if you have any questions and follow-up with your psychiatrist in a year."