Why would the medication nurse question a Prozac order for 100mg PO daily?

Prozac, or fluoxetine, is categorized as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) primarily used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. The maximum recommended dose for adult patients is typically 80 mg per day. As such, an order for 100 mg per day exceeds this maximum dosage, which raises concerns about potential adverse effects, toxicity, or diminished therapeutic effects due to the increased dosage. This is particularly important since higher doses may not necessarily yield better results and can increase the risk of side effects such as gastrointestinal disturbances, insomnia, or increases in anxiety.

Thus, questioning the order for 100 mg is a crucial safeguard for patient safety, ensuring adherence to established dosage guidelines to promote effective treatment while minimizing risks.