Perhaps your doctor has prescribed this medicine for you for your mental stress, depression, or anxiety. Its name is Paroxetine. When you hear this name, you may feel a little scared, wondering, 'What kind of medicine is this? What will happen if I take this?' But don't worry. I am writing this description to answer the questions you have in your mind. Today, let's talk about this medicine in a simple and complete way.
What is Paroxetine?
Simply put, paroxetine is a medication that is used to treat a variety of mental health conditions. For example:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
This drug belongs to a class of drugs called SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) . Okay, that's a bit of a complicated name, isn't it? Here's what it means: Our brains naturally contain a chemical called serotonin . This is what we call the "happy hormone." This serotonin helps control many things, such as our mood, sleep, and appetite. In situations like stress, this serotonin level can decrease. Paroxetine works by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain, helping to keep our mood at a good level.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before prescribing this medicine to you, your doctor will ask you a lot of questions about your health. However, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor. This is very important for your safety.
| Health condition or habit | Why do you need to tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| If you or someone in your family has bipolar disorder . | These medications can sometimes change bipolar symptoms. |
| Suicidal thoughts for yourself or someone in your familyIf there has been. | Some people may experience increased thoughts of this nature when they first start taking this medication, so it is important to make your doctor aware of this. |
| If you have bleeding disorders or are taking medication that prevents blood clotting. | Paroxetine may slightly increase the risk of bleeding. |
| If you have glaucoma in your eyes. | This medicine can affect eye pressure. |
| If you have heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, or thyroid disease. | In such situations, the dosage of the medication may need to be changed or special care may be required. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. | In these cases, it is very important to talk to your doctor about the effects of the medication. |
| If you have an allergy to any other medicine, food, or substance. | Be aware of the possibility of an allergy to paroxetine. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
For a medicine to work properly, it must be taken exactly as prescribed.
- Take with water: Swallow this tablet whole with a glass of water. Never break, crush, or chew the tablet. These are designed to be controlled-release. Doing so will change the way the medicine works.
- Take it at the right time: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day, as your doctor has told you. This will help keep the levels of the medicine in your body consistent.
- Before or after food?: You can take this medicine with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take the medicine with a small meal.
- Don't stop thinking:This is the most important thing. Don't stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor, thinking you're feeling better. If you stop suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms and your condition may get worse.
Very important: It may take several weeks for this medicine to take full effect. So, don't stop halfway through thinking, "It's not working yet." Be patient and continue using it as your doctor tells you.
What if you miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Things to be careful about when taking this medicine
Pay attention to your mental state.
Some people may experience changes in their mental state when they first start taking this medication, or when the dosage is changed.
- New or increased depressive or suicidal thoughts.
- Sudden changes in mood (e.g., suddenly becoming angry, restless, agitated).
- Insomnia or hyperactivity.
If you notice any of these changes, talk to your doctor right away. This is very important.
Other effects
- This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
- To reduce the dizziness you feel when you suddenly stand up from a sitting position, get up slowly.
- Taking this medication with alcohol may increase side effects. Therefore, consult your doctor about the use of alcohol while taking the medication.
- You may feel dry mouth. Chewing sugarless gum and drinking plenty of water can help control this.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, paroxetine can have side effects. But not everyone gets them. Some are minor and go away in a few days. But some are worth being aware of.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
If you have these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Black, tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, dark red/brown urine, and small red/purple spots on the skin. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast or irregularly, dizziness, chest pain. |
| Serotonin Syndrome | This is a rare but serious condition. Symptoms include excessive sweating, confusion, rapid heartbeat, shaking, high fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. |
| Eye pain or vision changes | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing rings around lights. |
Things that usually occur, but should be told to the doctor if they persist | |
| Nausea | Stomach upset, diarrhea |
| Excessive sweating | Changes in sexual desire or function |
| Tremors | Sleep disturbance |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Take the medicine exactly as your doctor tells you: take the prescribed dose at the prescribed time. Do not break, crush, or chew the pill.
- Don't stop taking it on your own: Even if you feel better, avoid stopping your medication without consulting your doctor.
- Tell your doctor about everything you are taking: Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
- Watch out for mood changes: Seek medical advice immediately if you experience suicidal thoughts or significant mood changes, especially early in treatment.
- This medicine is for you only: Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they say they have similar symptoms to you.
- Keep out of reach of children: Always store medicines securely and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
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