Which of the following should the nurse remember about fluoxetine?

The physician orders fluoxetine (Prozac) for a depressed client.

Which of the following should the nurse remember about fluoxetine?
A . Because fluoxetine is a tricyclic antidepressant, it may precipitate a hypertensive crisis.
B . The therapeutic effect of the drug occurs 2C4 weeks after treatment is begun.
C . Foods such as aged cheese, yogurt, soy sauce, and bananas should not be eaten with this drug.
D . Fluoxetine may be administered safely in combination with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.

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Answer: B

Explanation:

(A) Fluoxetine is not a tricyclic antidepressant. It is an atypical antidepressant.

(B) This statement is true.

(C) These foods are high in tyramine and should be avoided when the client is taking MAO inhibitors. Fluoxetine is not an MAO inhibitor.

(D) Fatal reactions have been reported in clients receiving fluoxetine in combination with MAO inhibitors.