PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THE CASE STUDY AND SAMPLE ESSAY (Please follow the sample essay to sequence because that is how my instructor wants us to answer the decision questions) Examine You will be asked to make three decisions concerning the medication to prescribe to this client. Be sure to consider factors that might impact the client’s pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic processes. At each decision point stop to complete the following:
Decision 1: Selecting an appropriate medication
The first step in prescribing medication for a client is to identify an appropriate drug that can effectively treat the client’s condition. In the given case study, the client presents with symptoms of depression, which requires the selection of an antidepressant medication.
There are various classes of antidepressant medications available that exert their therapeutic effects through different mechanisms. The selection of an appropriate medication should take into consideration factors such as the client’s medical history, comorbidities, potential drug interactions, side effect profile, and individual response to previous treatments.
In this case, the client is a 27-year-old male with a history of depression and anxiety. He has previously been treated with sertraline, which provided partial relief of his symptoms but caused sexual dysfunction. Considering these factors, a suitable medication choice could be bupropion, a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). Bupropion has shown efficacy in treating depression and has a lower risk of sexual side effects compared to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as sertraline. This choice would take into account the client’s history of previous treatment and the goal of minimizing adverse sexual side effects.
Decision 2: Determining the appropriate dosage
Once an appropriate medication is selected, it is crucial to identify the appropriate dosage that will effectively treat the client’s condition while minimizing the risk of adverse effects. The dosage of a medication is determined based on factors such as the client’s age, weight, organ function, and pharmacogenetic variations.
In the case study, the client is a 27-year-old male weighing 70 kg. The recommended starting dose of bupropion for the treatment of depression in adults is 150 mg once daily. However, it is important to note that the client has a history of partial response to sertraline, indicating a potential need for a higher dosage to achieve an adequate therapeutic effect.
Considering the client’s history, it may be appropriate to initiate treatment with a higher dose of bupropion, such as 300 mg once daily. This decision should be made after careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks, keeping in mind that a higher dose may increase the risk of side effects such as agitation or insomnia.
Decision 3: Monitoring the client’s response and adjusting the medication
After initiating treatment with the selected medication and dosage, it is essential to closely monitor the client’s response to therapy. Monitoring includes assessing the client’s adherence to the medication regimen, evaluating the therapeutic effect, and identifying any potential adverse effects.
In the case of bupropion, it is recommended to assess the client’s response after 4-6 weeks of treatment at the selected dose. During this period, it is important to inquire about changes in depressive symptoms, sleep patterns, appetite, and any side effects experienced. If the client’s symptoms significantly improve, and he tolerates the medication well without any significant adverse effects, the treatment can be continued at the same dosage. However, if there is no improvement in symptoms or if the client experiences intolerable side effects, adjustments to the medication regimen should be considered.
In conclusion, the three decisions involved in prescribing medication for the given client include selecting an appropriate medication (bupropion), determining the appropriate dosage (300 mg once daily), and monitoring the client’s response to therapy. These decisions are based on a comprehensive assessment of the client’s medical history, individual characteristics, and the specific pharmacological properties of the chosen medication. Regular monitoring of the client’s response and adjustment of the medication, if necessary, are essential for optimizing the therapeutic outcome and minimizing the risk of adverse effects.