Adverse Events, Drug Interactions, and Treatment Adherence

Many clients do not take their medications as prescribed. One of the reasons may be the common adverse drug effects and drug-drug interactions of certain medications. This article reviews adverse drug effects (including less serious side effects), the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics involved in adverse effects, and the pharmacokinetics of drug interactions. For medications to be effective in treating mental disorders, nurses need to carefully assess clients and their motivations for taking medications, routinely inquire about when and how they are taking their prescriptions, any adverse effects they are experiencing, and how they are managing common, less severe adverse effects. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 58(2), 9-13.].