Question

The wife of a 67-year-old client who has been taking imipramine (Tofranil) for 3 days asks the nurse why her husband isn't better. The nurse should tell the wife:

a. "It takes 2 to 4 weeks before the full therapeutic effects are experienced."
b."Your husband may need an increase in dosage."
c. "A different antidepressant may be necessary."
d."It can take 6 weeks to see if the medication will help your husband."

Answer 1

The nurse should inform the wife that it takes 2 to 4 weeks before the full therapeutic effects of imipramine are experienced. Initial side effects may occur, but the medication may help elevate the husband's mood over time.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should tell the wife of the 67-year-old client who has been taking imipramine (Tofranil) for 3 days that it takes 2 to 4 weeks before the full therapeutic effects are experienced. The tricyclic antidepressant, imipramine, may initially cause unpleasant symptoms, such as sleepiness, lightheadedness, and difficulty concentrating, in a normal subject. However, when given over a period of time, it can lead to an elevated mood in depressed patients.