Sometimes, the sadness, anxiety, and stress we feel can be overwhelming, right? There are times when it can be so overwhelming that we can't even do our daily tasks properly. In such a situation, your doctor may have recommended that you use this medicine called Paroxetine. So, you probably have a lot of questions in your mind about this medicine. Today, we will talk very simply about what this medicine is, what it does, and the things we need to be careful about while using it.
What really happens with this medicine?
Paroxetine is a medication primarily used to treat several mental health problems.
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a condition in which women experience extreme stress and anxiety before their monthly period.
Simply put, this medication works by increasing the levels of a neurotransmitter called serotonin in our brain that controls things like happiness and calmness. This improves our mood. We call this class of medications SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) .
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before prescribing this medicine to you, your doctor will ask you about some things. However, if you have any of the following conditions, you should definitely tell your doctor about them. This is very important for your safety.
| Medical conditions or issues that may apply to you |
|---|
| You or someone in your family has a mental illness such as bipolar disorder. |
| Bleeding disorders or taking medications that prevent blood clotting. |
| Having glaucoma in the eyes. |
| Heart disease. |
| Kidney or liver disease. |
| Decreased sodium levels in the blood. |
| Having had seizures before. |
| Having thoughts, plans, or previous attempts to harm yourself (yourself or a family member). |
| Taking MAOI medications (e.g. Carbex, Nardil). |
| Thyroid diseases. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant. |
| Breastfeeding the baby. |
| Having an allergy to paroxetine or any other medicine or food. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
Take this medicine with a glass of water. You can take it with or without food. The most important thing is to take the dose prescribed by your doctor, at the right time. Do not take more than the doctor tells you to for any reason.
Very important: Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause your symptoms to suddenly worsen, or you may develop new symptoms such as dizziness or nausea. If you do stop taking this medicine, do so gradually, as your doctor tells you to.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine by mistake, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately . Or, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not delay.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
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 your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Paroxetine is a medication that can interact with certain other medications, foods, and beverages, so it's important to be aware of this.
| Never take Paroxetine with these! | |
|---|---|
| MAOI drugs (an old class of antidepressants) | Thioridazine, Pimozide (medicines for mental illness) |
| Linezolid (an antibiotic) | Methylene blue (an injection given intravenously) |
| Problems can occur with these too - tell your doctor | |
| Alcohol | Aspirin and NSAID-type painkillers (e.g. Ibuprofen, Naproxen) |
| Medicines that prevent blood clotting (e.g. Warfarin) | Other antidepressant medications |
| Painkillers like Tramadol | Herbal supplements such as St. John's wort |
This list is not complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements you take. Also tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
What are the things to be careful about when taking medication?
- Be patient: It can take several weeks (maybe a month or two) to see the full effects of this medication. Therefore, it is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed by your doctor without getting discouraged. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, talk to your doctor.
- Be aware of your thoughts: Some people may have thoughts of harming themselves or increased depression , especially when starting the medication or when the dosage is changed. If you notice any sudden changes in your mood or behavior, tell your doctor or a family member right away.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: You may feel drowsy and dizzy. So , do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Especially if you are elderly, do not get up suddenly from a sitting position.
- Avoid alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of the medication and increase side effects.
- Dry mouth: You may feel like your mouth is dry. This can be controlled by things like chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water.
What side effects might I experience?
Like all medicines, Paroxetine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Black stools, dark brown/red urine, red/purple spots on the skin. |
| Changes in heart rate | Heart palpitations, dizziness, chest pain. |
| Serotonin Syndrome | Restlessness, confusion, excessive sweating, fever, muscle stiffness or tremors. |
| Change of thoughts | Thoughts of self-harm and increased depression. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to your doctor if they persist | |
| Nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea | Excessive sweating |
| Tremors | Changes in sexual desire or function |
Take-Home Message
- Paroxetine is a medication that treats mental conditions such as depression and anxiety and balances serotonin levels in the brain.
- Before starting this medication, be sure to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- Avoid stopping the medication suddenly at any time without your doctor's advice.
- Be especially aware of your mood or thoughts during the initial period of taking the medication. If you notice any sudden changes, seek medical advice immediately.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. Be careful when performing tasks that require concentration, as it may cause drowsiness.
- If you have any concerns about this medication, don't be afraid to discuss it with your doctor.
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