Question

Because antianxiety agents such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium) can potentiate the effects of other drugs, the nurse should incorporate which of the following instructions in her teaching plan?

1. Avoid mixing antianxiety agents with alcohol or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants.
2. Avoid taking antianxiety drugs at bedtime.
3. Avoid taking antianxiety drugs on an empty stomach.
4. Avoid consuming aged cheese when taking antianxiety agents.

Answer 1

Patients taking antianxiety agents such as chlordiazepoxide should avoid mixing these drugs with alcohol or other CNS depressants due to the risk of increased CNS depression, leading to severe sedation or even overdose.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate instructions to incorporate into a teaching plan for a patient taking antianxiety agents such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium) is to avoid mixing antianxiety agents with alcohol or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants. This is because mixing these substances can potentiate the effects, leading to increased sedation, drowsiness, or even more severe depressive effects on the central nervous system. Antianxiety drugs like Librium, which belong to the class of benzodiazepines, are known to enhance the effects of GABA in the brain, leading to reduced anxiety and increased calming effects. The combination with alcohol or other CNS depressants can dangerously enhance these effects, possibly leading to respiratory depression or overdose.