Final answer:
When prescribing doxepin for depression in an elderly patient, it is essential to advise them of possible side effects such as weight gain, fatigue, and loss of sexual desire. These side effects can vary in intensity, and patients are to not take doxepin on an as-needed basis but rather consistently to attain therapeutic effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Common Side Effects of Doxepin
When educating a 74-year-old client who has been prescribed doxepin for a depressive episode, it is important to include potential side effects. Common side effects associated with antidepressants like doxepin, which is a tricyclic antidepressant, can include a range of physical and psychological impacts. Some of these are weight gain, fatigue, dizziness, loss of sexual desire, nausea, dry mouth, blurred vision, agitation, insomnia, and constipation. Additionally, elderly patients may be more sensitive to side effects such as drowsiness and orthostatic hypotension.
It's crucial to inform patients about these side effects, especially since antidepressants like doxepin can take several weeks before their clinical benefits are felt, while side effects can appear much sooner. Furthermore, patients should not take doxepin on an "as-needed" basis, as tricyclic antidepressants are designed to be taken continuously to achieve the desired therapeutic effects.
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