2.9 (2) Medication

Many vocational rehabilitation (VR) clients take medications to manage symptoms related to their disabilities. It’s crucial for VR professionals to be aware of the side effects of these medications, as they may significantly impact the rehabilitation process and the ability to find or maintain employment. Here are some common medications and their side effects:

1. OxyContin (Oxycodone):

   • Use: Opioid pain reliever for moderate to severe pain.

   • Side Effects: Addiction, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, nausea, sweating, vomiting, weakness.

2. Paxil (Paroxetine):

   • Use: Antidepressant for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more.

   • Side Effects: Anxiety, blurred vision, constipation, decreased sexual desire, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, increased urination, nausea, nervousness, weakness.

3. Lipitor (Atorvastatin):

   • Use: Statin to lower cholesterol and reduce heart risks.

   • Side Effects: Diarrhea, joint pain, sore throat, nausea, runny/stuffy nose, stomach upset.

4. Vicodin (Acetaminophen & Hydrocodone):

   • Use: Pain reliever for moderate to severe pain.

   • Side Effects: Blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, mood changes, nausea, vomiting.

5. Norvasc (Amlodipine):

   • Use: Calcium channel blocker for high blood pressure and chest pain.

   • Side Effects: Dizziness, fatigue, flushing, headache, muscle cramps, nausea, stomach pain, weakness.

6. Omeprazole:

   • Use: Proton pump inhibitor for GERD and stomach ulcers.

   • Side Effects: Diarrhea, gas, headache, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting.

7. Xanax (Alprazolam):

   • Use: Benzodiazepine for anxiety and panic disorders.

   • Side Effects: Appetite changes, constipation, decreased sexual desire, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, light-headedness, nausea, tiredness.

8. Diazepam (Valium):

   • Use: Benzodiazepine for anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizure control.

   • Side Effects: Clumsiness, dizziness, drowsiness, slurred speech.

9. Sertraline (Zoloft):

   • Use: SSRI for depression, OCD, and panic disorder.

   • Side Effects: Decreased sexual desire, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, nausea, sleep disturbance.

10. Risperidone:

    • Use: Atypical antipsychotic for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and behavior problems in autism.

    • Side Effects: Weight gain, dizziness, sleep disturbances, fatigue, tremors, mood changes.

These medications can create limitations in vocational rehabilitation, and VR professionals must be mindful of both the client's condition and the effects of their medications.

Quiz: Medications and Side Effects in Vocational Rehabilitation

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the main function of OxyContin (Oxycodone)?
   a) To reduce cholesterol
   b) To treat severe pain
   c) To treat anxiety
   d) To manage depression

2. Which of the following medications is commonly used to treat high cholesterol?
   a) Paxil
   b) Lipitor
   c) Xanax
   d) Vicodin

3. Which medication is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic disorders?
   a) Risperidone
   b) Xanax
   c) Lipitor
   d) Norvasc

4. What common side effect does both OxyContin and Vicodin share?
   a) Nausea
   b) Joint pain
   c) Blurred vision
   d) Muscle cramps

5. What is the primary use of Omeprazole?
   a) To reduce blood pressure
   b) To manage pain
   c) To treat acid reflux (GERD)
   d) To treat cholesterol

Short Answer Questions

6. Name two side effects of Paxil.

7. What condition does Lipitor primarily treat?

8. Which medication is used to treat schizophrenia and mood disorders?

9. What side effect is common in Xanax use related to appetite?

10. Which medication is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and also reduce muscle spasms?

Answer Key

1. b) To treat severe pain

2. b) Lipitor

3. b) Xanax

4. a) Nausea

5. c) To treat acid reflux (GERD)

6. Anxiety, blurred vision (Other possible answers: constipation, dizziness, dry mouth)

7. To reduce high cholesterol

8. Risperidone

9. Decreased sexual desire

10. Diazepam (Valium)