Has your doctor prescribed you a medication called Paroxetine? You may have been prescribed this medication to help you manage hot flashes, which are common symptoms of menopause. It's normal to have some questions and concerns about this new medication. So don't worry, we'll explain everything you need to know about this medication, including how it works, side effects, and things to watch out for.
What exactly is this drug called Paroxetine?
Simply put, Paroxetine is a drug that belongs to a class of drugs called SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) . Okay, now you're probably wondering what an SSRI is. Our brains contain a chemical called 'Serotonin'. It's a neurotransmitter that controls things like our happiness and mood.
Paroxetine works by balancing serotonin levels in the brain to some extent. This can help control physical symptoms of menopause, such as excessive sweating and hot flashes. In addition, this same class of drugs is also used to treat conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
It is very important to tell your doctor about your health before starting Paroxetine. This is because some conditions may not respond to this medicine. If any of the conditions listed in the table below apply to you, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Situation that may apply to you | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| If you or someone in your family has bipolar disorder. | This medication can cause unusual mood changes (manic episodes). |
| If you have bleeding disorders. | Paroxetine may slightly increase the risk of bleeding. |
| If you have glaucoma , a disease of high pressure in the eyes. | This medication may increase eye pressure. |
| If you have heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease. | The dose of the medication may need to be changed or special care may be required. |
| If the sodium level in the blood is low (Low sodium). | This medication may further lower sodium levels. |
| If you have had seizures before. | Because the risk of seizures may increase. |
| If you have had suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts. | This medicine may increase these thoughts in some people, especially young people. |
| If you are taking MAOI medications (e.g. Carbex, Marplan). | Taking these two classes of drugs together can be very dangerous. |
| If you are trying to get pregnant, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding. | Because this medication can affect the unborn baby, it is essential to talk to your doctor about it. |
How should I use this medicine?
This is very simple. Take the medicine exactly as your doctor prescribed, at the exact time prescribed.
- Timing: This medicine is usually taken once a day, at bedtime .
- Food: You can take this with or without food. Take it in a way that suits you.
- Most importantly: Never take more than your doctor tells you to. Also, make it a habit to take your medicine at the right time of day.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you suddenly 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. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
What to do if you accidentally take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine by mistake, don't panic. Go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of your nearest hospital immediately. Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital and seek medical advice.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to anyone else, even if it says your symptoms are similar.
Other drugs and things that are incompatible with this medicine
Paroxetine can interact with other medications, some dietary supplements, and alcohol. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Drugs that should never be taken with Paroxetine | |
|---|---|
| Linezolid | Thioridazine |
| Pimozide | Methylene blue (as an injection) |
| MAOI drugs (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate) | |
| Other medications and substances that may interact (tell your doctor if you are taking these) | |
| Alcohol | Aspirin and similar painkillers |
| Medicines that prevent blood clotting (e.g. Warfarin) | NSAIDs (e.g. Ibuprofen, Naproxen) |
| Other medications for mental illness | Some medications used for migraines (e.g. Sumatriptan) |
| Medication for irregular heartbeat | Strong painkillers like Tramadol and Fentanyl |
| Herbal supplements such as St. John's wort | Other medications such as Digoxin, Cimetidine, Ritonavir |
Things to be careful about while taking the medicine
- Monitor progress: Pay attention to whether your symptoms are getting better or worse. Talk to your doctor about this regularly.
- Pay attention to your mental health: This is very important. Especially when you first start taking the medication, watch for sudden changes in your mood or behavior. For example, anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, or trouble sleeping. If you have suicidal thoughts or feel like your depression is getting worse, talk to your doctor right away.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Be careful when getting up from a sitting position or getting out of bed, especially if you are elderly.
- Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking Paroxetine. Alcohol can increase the side effects of the drug.
- Dry mouth: If you feel like your mouth is dry, you can find relief by chewing sugar-free gum and drinking small amounts of water frequently.
Side effects of the medicine
Like all medicines, Paroxetine can cause some side effects, although not everyone gets them.
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Black, tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, and red or purple spots on the skin. |
| Changes in heart rate | Rapid heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Serotonin Syndrome | Restlessness, muscle tension, tremors, excessive sweating, fever, convulsions. |
| Changes in the eyes | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing rings around lights. |
| Mental changes | Suicidal thoughts, increased depression. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Nausea, stomach discomfort | Diarrhea |
| Excessive sweating | Tremors in the hands |
| Changes in sexual desire or function | |
Take-Home Message
- Always take Paroxetine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, in the correct dose and at the correct time.
- Do not stop taking the medication or change the dosage on your own accord. If you do stop, do so gradually, under the guidance of your doctor.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- If you notice any serious side effects (especially mental changes, unusual bleeding), seek medical advice immediately.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
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