Brisdelle

Paroxetine, also known and sold under the trade names of Brisdelle, Paxil, Paxil CR, and Pexeva, is a product which is known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. This medication is used in the treatment of depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder.

It is considered to work by restoring the balance of a certain natural substance – known as serotonin, in the brain. This medication may improve your everyday life, sleep, appetite, and mood. This medication is available in the following forms – a tablet, a capsule, and a suspension.

Before the decision to start the treatment with this medication is made, it is essential to get informed about the expected beneficial effects, as well as, about the potential side effects and risks. For this decision to be made, the beneficial effects must outweigh the potential risks. This is a decision that you and your doctor, together, have to make.

During the consultations, it is important to inform the doctor about:

• Allergic reactions – Inform the doctor about any allergic reactions to any specific kind of medication, prescribed or not prescribed. Also, inform the healthcare professional about any allergic reactions to any specific kind of food, dye, fabric and etc.
• Pediatric – There are no studies done that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used in pediatric patients. This medication is not recommended to be used in pediatric patients. However, it could be used only in cases where the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.
• Geriatric – Proper studies done have confirmed that there are no age-related risks and side effects when this medication has been used in geriatric patients. However, due to the increased sensitivity in the elderly, this medication must be used with extra caution during the treatment.
• Pregnancy – Inform the doctor if you are currently pregnant or have any plans about pregnancy in the near future. Proper studies done have confirmed that there is a risk to the fetus if this medication is used during pregnancy. This medication is not recommended to be used during pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding – Inform the doctor if you are currently breastfeeding. Proper studies done have confirmed that this medication is extracted in the milk, as well as, that it poses a minimal risk to the infant. This medication is not recommended to be used in nursing mothers.
• Drug interactions – Inform the doctor if you are currently using any other medications, prescribed or not prescribed, even vitamins and herbal tea. This is important because certain medications are not recommended to be used in a combination with others, due to the possibility that certain interactions could occur. However, sometimes the doctor may decide to use a certain type of combination, including two or more medications to treat your condition, if he or she considers that combination to prove as beneficial regarding your condition.
• Other interactions – Certain medications are not recommended to be used in a combination with the specific type of food, tobacco and alcohol. Because of this, it is important to get informed if there is a need for you to follow a specific diet and discontinue your use of tobacco and alcohol during the treatment.
• Other medical problems – Inform the doctor about your medical history, any other medical problems and conditions from the past or at the moment. Especially, inform the doctor if there are any of the following conditions present – bipolar disorder, bleeding problems, bone problems, glaucoma, hyponatremia, mania, seizures, kidney disease, and liver disease.

For proper use, follow the directions given by your doctor.

This medication is available in the following forms – a tablet, a suspension, and a capsule.

Swallow the tablet or the capsule whole, with or without food, as directed by your doctor. Do not break, chew, or crush the tablet or the capsule. If you are using this medication in the form of a suspension, it is very important to measure the prescribed dose using a proper measure instrument, probably provided with the medication.

The dose is individual for every patient, prescribed by the doctor and based on your condition and the prognosis of the treatment. In order to get the most beneficial effects from its use, remember to use this medication regularly.

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not double to catch up. This medication is harmful in case of an overdose. If an overdose is suspected, contact the doctor right away for further directions.

Visit your doctor regularly, at your scheduled appointments, so that he or she would be able to track your condition and make any adjustments if needed. These adjustments may refer to the dose – e.g. the doctor may decide to increase or decrease the dose, or to the treatment itself – the doctor may decide to discontinue your treatment if there are any serious side effects present, that would worsen your condition, or if your condition does not improve.

Inform the doctor about any allergic reactions to any kind of medications, prescribed or not prescribed, even vitamins and herbal tea. This is important because this medication may contain inactive substances that could cause crtain interactions to occur.

Inform the doctor if you are currently pregnant or have any plans about pregnancy in the near future. This medication is not recommended to be used during pregnancy, due to the studies that confirm that this medication is not safe to be used during pregnancy. At least two proven forms of birth control must be used during the treatment with this medication in order to help prevent pregnancy.

Inform the doctor if you are currently breastfeeding. This medication is not recommended to be used in nursing mothers, due to the studies that confirm that this medication is extracted in the milk, as well as, that it poses a minimal risk to the infant. This medication is not recommended to be used in pediatric patients.

This medication may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision to occur. Avoid driving and any other activities that require alertness and clear vision during the treatment with this medication.

Along with its needed beneficial effects, there are potential side effects that could occur. These side effects do not occur in all patients, also they could be mild or more serious. However, it is essential to get informed about the potential side effects, so that you would be able to notice their presence and inform the doctor as soon as possible.

Common Side Effects 

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Trouble sleeping
• Weakness
• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Blurred vision
• Yawning.

These are common side effects which are not considered as serious. However, if their presence persists or worsens, inform the doctor as soon as possible.

Serious Side Effects

• Tremor
• Frestlessness
• Inability to keep still
• Decreased interest in sex
• Changes in sexual ability
• Numbness/tingling
• Easy and unusual bruising/bleeding
• Changes in the heartbeat
• Muscle weakness/spasms
• Seizures.

These are serious side effects whose presence must be reported to the doctor as soon as possible.

A very serious allergic reaction to this medication is not common. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms, it is essential to contact the doctor right away.–

• Skin rash
• Itching/swelling of the face/tongue/hands/feet
• Trouble breathing
• Severe dizziness