A client is prescribed levetiracetam. The nurse should include which statement in the education regarding this medication?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. "This medication is a CNS stimulant and may cause tachycardia": Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant that modulates neurotransmitter release by binding to synaptic vesicle protein 2A. It is not a CNS stimulant, and tachycardia is not a common or expected adverse effect. B. "Take this medication immediately when a seizure begins": Levetiracetam is intended for daily maintenance therapy to prevent seizures, not for aborting an ongoing seizure. Administering it during a seizure will not stop the seizure acutely. C. "This medication may cause changes in mood or psychosis": Levetiracetam can lead to neuropsychiatric side effects, including irritability, agitation, depression, and rarely psychosis or suicidal ideation. Clients and caregivers should be aware of these potential mood changes and report concerning symptoms promptly to the healthcare provider. D. "Avoid food containing tyramine with this medication": Tyramine interactions are relevant for monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), not levetiracetam. There is no dietary restriction related to tyramine with this medication, so this advice is incorrect for patient education.