Final answer:
Discharge instructions for clients on tricyclic antidepressants typically include avoiding alcohol and not discontinuing the medication due to common side effects like dry mouth and blurred vision without consulting a doctor. Restricting fluid and sodium intake is not standard advice, and the safety of these medications during pregnancy should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Step-by-step explanation:
Discharge instructions for clients receiving tricyclic antidepressants typically include several important pieces of advice to ensure safety and effectiveness of the medication. First and foremost, patients are often advised to avoid alcohol as it can exacerbate the sedative effects of tricyclics and potentially increase depression. Side effects like dry mouth and blurred vision are common and do not usually necessitate discontinuation of the medication. These symptoms should be reported to the doctor, but only discontinuation under a physician's guidance is recommended. Patients are generally not instructed to restrict fluid and sodium intake unless otherwise specified for a particular health condition. Regarding pregnancy, tricyclic antidepressants are not considered entirely safe. Decisions about medication use during pregnancy should be made in conjunction with a healthcare provider to weigh the potential risks and benefits.