Central Nervous System Stimulants and Related Drugs

Case Study

Chapter 13 Central Nervous System Stimulants and Related Drugs

Nancy has been unsuccessful in preventing migraine headaches and has been prescribed a selective serotonin receptor agonist (SSRA), sumatriptan (Imitrex).

Question 1

What patient teaching would be included for Nancy regarding the action and route of administration of sumatriptan?

Question 2

What patient teaching should be included for Nancy regarding adverse effects or contraindications?

Question 3

What medications would Nancy have been prescribed for first- and second-line preventive therapy?

Question 4

Nancy asks the nurse about the effects of caffeine on migraines. What should the nurse’s response be?

Question 5

Nancy also asks the nurse if there are effective nonpharmacologic treatments for migraines. What evidence-based answer can the nurse provide?