Personality and Mood Disorders Q 93
Which of the following is included in the health teachings among clients receiving Valium?
A. Avoid foods rich in tyramine.
B. Take the medication after meals.
C. It is safe to stop it anytime after long term use.
D. Double up the dose if the client forgets her medication.
Correct Answer: B. Take the medication after meals.
Anti Anxiety medications cause G.I. upset so it should be taken after meals. Benzodiazepines are a class of medicines approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, seizures, social phobia, and panic disorder.
Option A: This is specific for antidepressant MAOI. Taking tyramine-rich food can cause a hypertensive crisis. MAOIs prevent the breakdown of tyramine found in the body as well as certain foods, drinks, and other medications. Patients that take MAOIs and consume tyramine-containing foods or drinks will exhibit high serum tyramine level. A high level of tyramine can cause a sudden increase in blood pressure, called the tyramine pressor response.
Option C: Valium causes dependency. In which case, the medication should be gradually withdrawn to prevent the occurrence of convulsion. However, the potential of overdose from diverted diazepam always exists when combined with opioids, alcohol, or other centrally acting agents. Overdose in adults frequently involves the co-ingestion of other CNS depressants, which work synergistically to increase toxicity. In the case of single-agent diazepam overdose, symptoms manifest as CNS depression and are very rarely fatal. In mild cases, lethargy, drowsiness, and confusion are common symptoms.
Option D: The dose of Valium should not be doubled if the previous dose was not taken. It can intensify the CNS depressant effects. In cases of severe overdose, symptoms manifest as ataxia, diminished reflexes, hypotonia, hypotension, respiratory depression, coma (rarely), and death (very rarely).