Abilify/
aripiprazole
Common side effects include: Vomiting, constipation, dizziness, change in weight and drowsiness
More serious side effects include: New or worsening mental or mood problems, fever and muscle stiffness
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Fasting blood glucose as ordered by MD and monthly vital signs and weight, which are
reviewed by the agency nurse.
Long term adverse effects may include: Increased weight, Diabetes and Tardive Dyskinesia (a chronic neurological disorder characterized
by involuntary jerky movements of the face, tongue, jaws, trunk, and limbs)
A Black Box Warning issued by the FDA states: Increased mortality in elderly with dementia. Increased suicidal thoughts in children,
adolescents, and young adults.
Anafranil/ clomipramine
Common side effects include: Drowsiness, increased sun sensitivity, dizziness, visual changes and constipation.
More serious side effects include: Fever, confusion, muscle stiffness and seizures.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Avoid prolonged sun exposure, liver and cardiac function tests as ordered by MD, periodic
psychiatric reviews and monthly vital signs and weight, which are reviewed by the agency nurse.
Long term adverse effects may include: May increase risk of tooth decay related to dry mouth.
A Black Box Warning issued by the FDA states: Increased suicidal thoughts in children, adolescents, and young adults.
Ativan/ lorazepam
Common side effects include: Drowsiness, headache, dizziness, dry mouth and blurred vision.
More serious side effects include: Memory loss, shaking, difficult/slurred speech and confusion.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Changes in coordination.
Long term adverse effects may include: Long-term use may lead to tolerance.
There is no Black Box Warning for this medication.
Buspar/ buspirone
Common side effects include: Drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, insomnia and weight gain.
More serious side effects include: Lightheadedness, fainting, loss of balance or coordination, unusual thoughts or depressed mood.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Periodic psychiatric reviews and monthly weight, which is reviewed by the agency nurse.
Long term adverse effects may include: N/A
There is no Black Box Warning for this medication.
Catapres/clonidine
Common side effects include: Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation and lightheadedness.
More serious side effects include: Fast, slow or irregular heartbeat.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Vital signs are monitored monthly and reviewed by the agency nurse.
Long term adverse effects may include: When used for long periods of time, this medication may not work as well and may require dosing
adjustments.
There is no Black Box Warning for this medication.
Celexa/ citalopram
Common side effects include: Drowsiness, diarrhea, dizziness, decreased appetite and muscle/joint pain.
More serious side effects include: Bizarre behavior; increased sweating, confusion and decreased concentration or coordination.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Periodic psychiatric reviews and monthly vital signs, which are reviewed by the agency nurse.
Long term adverse effects may include: N/A
A Black Box Warning issued by the FDA states: Anti-depressants increase the risk of suicidal thinking in children, teens and young
adults.
Concerta/ Ritalin/ methylphenidate
Common side effects include: Headache, stomach pain, dizziness, loss of appetite, insomnia.
More serious side effects include: Uncontrolled movements (motor tics or tremors), verbal tics, weight loss and difficulty urinating.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Blood counts as recommended by doctor.
Long term adverse effects may include: Prolonged use could possibly hinder growth (weight and height) in children.
A Black Box Warning issued by the FDA states: Chronic abusive use can lead to marked tolerance and psychological dependence.
Corgard/nadolol
Common side effects include: Fatigue, dizziness
More serious side effects include: shortness of breath; slow or irregular heartbeat; sudden, unexplained weight gain; swelling of the hands,
ankles, or feet; unusual bruising or bleeding
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Vital signs (especially heart rate), weight
Long term adverse effects may include: N/A
There is no Black Box Warning for this medication.
Depakote/ valproic acid
Common side effects include: Drowsiness, diarrhea, dizziness, hair loss and tremors.
More serious side effects include: Unexplained bleeding/bruising, uncontrolled eye movements and yellowing of eyes or skin.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Liver function tests, drug levels, complete blood counts as recommended by doctor, periodic
psychiatric reviews and monthly weight, which is reviewed by the agency nurse.
Long term adverse effects may include: Risk for increased blood clotting, GERD, risk of bone loss.
A Black Box Warning issued by the FDA states: Hepatic failure resulting in fatalities has occurred in patients receiving valproic acid and
its derivatives.
Effexor/ venlafaxine
Common side effects include: Headache, nervousness, dizziness, dry mouth and trouble sleeping.
More serious side effects include: Unusual mood changes, muscle cramping, ringing in the ears, vision changes and tremors.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Periodic psychiatric reviews and monthly blood pressure, which is reviewed by the agency
nurse.
Long term adverse effects may include: N/A
A Black Box Warning issued by the FDA states: Increased risk of suicidality in children, teens and young adults with major depressive
disorder.
Gabapentin/Neurontin
Common side effects include: Dizziness, somnolence, ataxia, constipation and vision changes.
More serious side effects include: Tremors or shaking, swollen arms/legs, loss of coordination, easy bruising or flu-like symptoms.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Periodic psychiatric reviews
Long term adverse effects may include: N/A
There is no Black Box Warning for this medication.
Geodon/ ziprasidone
Common side effects include: Drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, constipation and muscle stiffness.
More serious side effects include: Fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills and symptoms of high blood sugar (increased thirst,
increased urination, confusion, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor).
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Electrolytes and fasting blood sugar levels as recommended by doctor and monthly weight,
which is reviewed by agency nurse.
Long term adverse effects may include: Tardive Dyskinesia (a chronic neurological disorder characterized by involuntary jerky movements
of the face, tongue, jaws, trunk, and limbs).
A Black Box Warning issued by the FDA states: Increased risk of mortality in elderly with dementia related psychosis.
Haldol/haloperidol
Common side effects include: Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, increased sensitivity to sunlight and restlessness.
More serious side effects include: Unusual bleeding or bruising, and yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Avoid prolonged sun exposure and temperature extremes. Monthly vital signs are monitored
and reviewed by the agency nurse
Long term adverse effects may include: Tardive Dyskinesia (a chronic neurological disorder characterized by involuntary jerky movements
of the face, tongue, jaws, trunk, and limbs).
A Black Box Warning issued by the FDA states: Increased risk of mortality in the elderly with dementia related psychosis.
Invega/ paliperidone
Common side effects include: Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, abdominal/stomach pain and weight gain.
More serious side effects include: Very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, confusion and fast or uneven heartbeats.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Avoid temperature extremes. Monitor fasting blood sugars as recommended by doctor.
Monthly weight is monitored and reviewed by the agency nurse.
Long term adverse effects may include: Tardive Dyskinesia (a chronic neurological disorder characterized by involuntary jerky movements
of the face, tongue, jaws, trunk, and limbs).
A Black Box Warning issued by the FDA states: Increased risk of mortality in elderly patients with dementia related psychosis.
Klonopin/ clonazepam
Common side effects include: Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, muscle pain and excessive hair loss/growth.
More serious side effects include: Loss of coordination, mental/mood changes and unusual eye movements.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Liver function tests as recommended by doctor and periodic psychiatric reviews.
Long term adverse effects may include: Long term use may result in tolerance and may require dose adjustment.
There is no Black Box Warning for this medication.
Lamictal/ lamotrigine
Common side effects include: Drowsiness, headache, fatigue and blurred vision.
More serious side effects include: Rash (may be severe, even life-threatening)
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Monitor skin for rash, blood work/drug levels as recommended by doctor and periodic
psychiatric reviews.
Long term adverse effects may include: N/A
A Black Box Warning issued by the FDA states: Serious skin rashes, requiring hospitalization, and sometimes causing death have
occurred while taking this medication.
Lexapro/ escitalopram
Common side effects include: Drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, fatigue and increased sweating.
More serious side effects include: Worsening of depression and/or mental/mood changes.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Periodic psychiatric reviews.
Long term adverse effects may include: N/A
A Black Box Warning issued by the FDA states: Increased risk of suicidal ideations in children, teens and young adults with major
depressive disorder.
Lithium/ lithium carbonate
Common side effects include: Drowsiness, increased thirst, increased frequency of urination, weight gain and hand tremors.
More serious side effects include: Diarrhea, vomiting, fever, unsteady walking and fainting.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Lithium levels and thyroid function as recommended by doctor and periodic psychiatric
reviews.
Long term adverse effects may include: Tardive Dyskinesia (a chronic neurological disorder characterized by involuntary jerky movements
of the face, tongue, jaws, trunk, and limbs). Kidney damage (rare) and hypothyroidism.
A Black Box Warning issued by the FDA states: Toxicity closely related to serum concentrations and may occur at doses near therapeutic
level.
Luvox/ fluvoxamine
Common side effects include: Drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, diarrhea and constipation.
More serious side effects include: Vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual or severe mental/mood changes and increased sweating/flushing.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Periodic psychiatric reviews.
Long term adverse effect may include: N/A
A Black Box Warning issued by the FDA states: Increased risk of suicidal ideations in children, teens and young adults with major
depressive disorder.
Norpramin/desipramine
Common side effect include: Vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, dizziness and drowsiness.
More serious side effects: Fast heartrate, decreased urinary output, muscle rigidity or weakness, easy bruising and problems with
vision.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Blood glucose levels as ordered by physician and monthly vital signs which are
reviewed by the agency nurse.
Long term adverse effects may include: N/A
A Black Box Warning issued by the FDA states: Anti-depressants increase the risk of suicidal thinking in children, teens and young
adults.
Paxil/paroxetine
Common side effects include: Drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, constipation and insomnia.
More serious side effects include: Loss of appetite, unusual or sever mental/mood changes and increased sweating/flushing
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Periodic psychiatric reviews.
Long term adverse effects may include: N/A
A Black Box Warning issued by the FDA states: Increased risk of suicidal ideations in children, teens and young adults with major
depressive disorder.
Prolixin/ fluphenazine
Common side effects include: Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite and blurred vision.
More serious side effects include: Feelings of restlessness, mask-like facial expression, greatly increased saliva and tremors.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Liver and kidney function tests as recommended by doctor and periodic psychiatric reviews
Long term adverse effects may include: Tardive Dyskinesia (a chronic neurological disorder characterized by involuntary jerky movements
of the face, tongue, jaws, trunk, and limbs).
A Black Box Warning issued by the FDA states: Increased risk of mortality in elderly patients with dementia related psychosis.
Prozac/ fluoxetine
Common side effects include: Drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite and insomnia.
More serious side effects include: Unusual or severe mental/mood changes, weight loss and vision changes.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Periodic psychiatric reviews and monthly weight which is reviewed by the agency nurse.
Long term adverse effects may include: N/A
A Black Box Warning issued by the FDA states: Increased risk of suicidal ideations in children, teens and young adults with major
depressive disorder.
Remeron/ mirtazapine
Common side effects include: Drowsiness, lightheadedness, dizziness, increased appetite and constipation.
More serious side effects include: Mouth sores, new or worsening agitation, aggressiveness, impulsiveness and irritability.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Periodic psychiatric reviews and monthly weight which is reviewed by the agency nurse
Long term adverse effects may include: N/A
A Black Box Warning issued by the FDA states: Increased risk of suicidal ideations in children, teens and young adults with major
depressive disorder.
Revia/ naltrexone
Common side effects include: Anxiety, nervousness, headache, trouble sleeping and nausea.
More serious side effects include: Skin rash, confusion, mood changes, hallucinations and vomiting.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Periodic psychiatric reviews.
Long term adverse effects may include: N/A
A Black Box Warning issued by the FDA states: Naltrexone has the capacity to cause hepatocellular injury when given in excessive doses.
Risperdal/ risperidone
Common side effects include: Drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and weight gain.
More serious side effects include: Fainting, rapid/pounding heart rate, fever and muscle stiffness.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Fasting blood sugar and cholesterol monitoring as recommended by doctor and monthly vital
signs and weight which are reviewed by the agency nurse.
Long term adverse effects may include: Tardive Dyskinesia (a chronic neurological disorder characterized by involuntary jerky movements
of the face, tongue, jaws, trunk, and limbs).
A Black Box Warning issued by the FDA states: Increased risk of mortality in elderly patients with dementia related psychosis.
Seroquel/ quetiapine
Common side effects include: Drowsiness, constipation, dizziness and stomach pain or upset.
More serious side effects include: Confusion, fainting, slow or irregular heart rate, increased saliva production and increased sweating.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Blood sugars and cholesterol as recommended by doctor and monthly weight which is
reviewed by the agency nurse
Long term adverse effects may include: Tardive Dyskinesia (a chronic neurological disorder characterized by involuntary jerky movements
of the face, tongue, jaws, trunk, and limbs).
A Black Box Warning issued by the FDA states: Increased risk of mortality in elderly patients with dementia related psychosis and
increased risk of suicidal ideations in children, teens and young adults with major depressive disorder.
Strattera/ atomoxetine
Common side effects include: Stomach upset, nausea, constipation, loss of appetite and dry mouth.
More serious side effects include: Difficulty urinating, weight loss, unusually fast heartbeat and blurred vision.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Liver function tests as recommended by doctor and periodic psychiatric reviews.
Long term adverse effects may include: Prolonged use could possibly hinder growth (weight and height) in children.
A Black Box Warning issued by the FDA states: Increased risk of suicidal ideations in children, teens and young adults with major
depressive disorder.
Tegretol/ carbamazepine
Common side effects include: Drowsiness, nausea, dizziness, vomiting and unsteadiness.
More serious side effects include: Chest pain, swelling of the ankles/feet, decreased urine and fainting.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Tegretol blood levels, blood counts and chemistries, kidney and liver function tests as
recommended by doctor.
Long term adverse effects may include: Osteoporosis and hyponatremia.
A Black Box Warning issued by the FDA states: Serious and sometimes fatal dermatological reactions and aplastic anemia and
agranulocytosis have been reported during treatment with carbamazepine.
Tenex/ guanfacine
Common side effect include: Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, constipation and diarrhea.
More serious side effect include: mental/mood changes, tingling of the hands or feet, leg cramps, dry mouth and vision changes.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Regular blood pressure checks which are reviewed monthly by the agency nurse.
Long Term Adverse effects may include: N/A
There is no Black Box Warning for this medication.
Thorazine/ chlorpromazine
Common side effects include: Blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, sun/light sensitivity and drowsiness.
More serious side effects include: Changes in breasts, menstrual period or vision, chills and confusion.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Periodic psychiatric reviews.
Long term adverse effects may include: Tardive Dyskinesia (a chronic neurological disorder characterized by involuntary jerky movements
of the face, tongue, jaws, trunk, and limbs).
A Black Box Warning issued by the FDA states: Increased risk of mortality in elderly patients with dementia related psychosis.
Trazodone/Deseryl
Common side effects include: Drowsiness, blurred vision, dizziness, loss of appetite and restlessness.
More serious side effects include: Difficulty urinating, nightmares, uncoordinated movements and easy bruising.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Periodic psychiatric reviews and monthly weight which is reviewed by the agency nurse.
Long term adverse effects may include: N/A
A Black Box Warning issued by the FDA states: Increased risk of suicidal ideations in children, teens and young adults with major
depressive disorder.
Trileptal/ oxcarbazepine
Common side effects include: Drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, rash and trouble sleeping.
More serious side effects include: Double vision, involuntary eye movements, loss of coordination and tremor.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Sodium levels as recommended by doctor and periodic psychiatric reviews.
Long term adverse effects may include: N/A
A Black Box Warning s issued by the FDA tates: Increased risk of suicidal ideations in children, teens and young adults with major
depressive disorder
Wellbutrin/ bupropion
Common side effects include: Dry mouth, headache, anxiety, increased sweating and fatigue.
More serious side effects include: Tremor, dizziness, fainting, slowed movements and difficulty urinating.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Periodic psychiatric reviews.
Long term adverse effect may include: N/A
A Black Box Warning issued by the FDA states: Increased risk of suicidal ideations in children, teens and young adults with major
depressive disorder
Zoloft/ setraline
Common side effects include: Drowsiness, dry mouth, increased sweating, nausea and trouble sleeping.
More serious side effects include: Increased heart rate, low blood pressure, increased salivation, irregular menstrual cycle and increased
frequency of urination.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Periodic psychiatric reviews.
Long term adverse effects may include: N/A
A Black Box Warning issued by the FDA states: Increased risk of suicidal ideations in children, teens and young adults with major
depressive disorder.
Zonegran/ zonisamide
Common side effects include: Nausea, headache, dizziness, loss of appetite and agitation.
More serious side effects include: Bone pain, easy bruising, confusion, dark or bloody urine and decreased sweating.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Periodic psychiatric reviews.
Long term adverse effects may include: N/A
There is no Black Box Warning for this medication.
Zyprexa/ olanzepine
Common side effects include: Drowsiness, stomach pain, dizziness, weight gain and
More serious side effects include: Muscle stiffness, fever, confusion, sweating and rapid or irregular heartbeat.
Interventions to follow and monitor include: Fasting blood sugar, cholesterol levels and liver function tests as recommended by doctor and
periodic psychiatric reviews.
Long term adverse effects may include: Tardive Dyskinesia (a chronic neurological disorder characterized by involuntary jerky movements
of the face, tongue, jaws, trunk, and limbs).
A Black Box Warning issued by the FDA states: Increased risk of mortality in elderly patients with dementia related psychosis.