Question

A nurse in an outpatient mental health setting is collecting a health history from a client who is taking paroxetine for depression. The client reports to the nurse that they also take herbal supplements. The nurse should advise the client that which of the following supplements interacts adversely with paroxetine?

A) St. John's Wort
B) Ginkgo biloba
C) Valerian root
D) Ginseng

Answer 1

The nurse should inform the client that St. John's Wort adversely interacts with paroxetine, an SSRI used to treat depression. St. John's Wort can lead to serotonin syndrome when combined with SSRIs.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should advise the client that St. John's Wort interacts adversely with paroxetine. Paroxetine is a type of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), which is used for the treatment of depression and increases the levels of serotonin in the central nervous system. St. John's Wort is also believed to affect serotonin levels, and its use in conjunction with SSRIs like paroxetine could lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially serious condition resulting from excessive levels of serotonin.

Other supplements like Ginkgo biloba, Valerian root, and Ginseng do not have the same level of known interactions with SSRIs as St. John's Wort. However, it is always important for clients to inform their healthcare providers of all supplements they are taking to avoid potential drug interactions and ensure safe care.