Depression Medication

[fourt9rkim]

Originally Posted by angel_bear

HI there

Paxil isn't in my drug book (mine's australian) so it must have another 'name' that it goes by ....

Other than that, if you call the original presribing doctor (he who ordered it first) and get in to see him as fast as possible.

There is a drug here called Paxam (which might be similar) that is in the same range that your looking at, but it says it only takes 6 months to build up a tolerance to the drug ... so maybe it's time to change her to something anyway.

Ring the doc. Better to be safe than sorry.

Cheers

I looked up the info for Paxil, and it is formally known as Paroxetine; it also goes by Aropax and Oxetine in Australia.

[angel_bear]

OK ~~ Armed with THAT info (thanks fourt9rkim) it states here:

Paroxetine (Aropax, Oxetine, Paxtine) is in the antidepressent range and is in the Selective Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's), and if prescribed for depression there is an initial dose of 20mg orally daily (increase by 10mg per day at weekly intervels or to a max of 50mg if necessary).

Adverse effects/Interactions/Cautions:
May alter plasma concentrations of phenytoin, therefre pt should be closely monitored for signs of toxicity or seizure activity
Contraindicated with thioridazine
Administed as a single morning dose WITH fod
Tablets should be swallowed whole, not chewed


No mention of half-life however, as an SSRI drug, it can cause:

Palpitations, tachycardia, hypotension, dizzines, tremor, headache, twitching amnesia, apathy, anxiety, nervousness,aggravated depression, nausea, anorexia, diarrhoea, altered taste, dry mouth, increased appetite, increased weight, increased saliva, fatigue, hot flushes, increased sweating, yawning, chills, insomnia, rash and disturbances to vision !

She should not be drinking any alcohol, and carefully monitored if she's on any anticoagulant therapy and caution exercises if she's on any herbal remedies that contain St. Johns Wort. If she is diabetic, blood glucose concentrations should be closely monitored.

If you want her off it, the dosage should be tapered off gradually to prevent withdrawals, and discontinued if she shows any signsof mania or hypomania. Treatment should continue for at least 6-12 months FTER depressive symptoms have abated. Caution if used in thoe with pre-existing slow heart rate, history of bleeding disorders or taking drugs affecting platelet function with epilepsy, history of convulsive disordes or glaucoma.

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This might sound double dutch, but there is much more to legal drugs than just prescribing.

Example: My doctor wanted to put me on an iron supplement to combat my chronic anaemia (lucky me), but his COMPUTER told him that it was incompatable with my thyroid medication. He shrugged and said "Take it later then". My research showed me about 12 hours need to pass between the two, and ideally another option should be found.

I'm seeing him Saturday week to educate him :-)

Cheers

[DGabriel10]

Mom's doctor took her off Lexapro and put her on Effexor XR which is an SNIR. She has a return appointment in 4 weeks to see if it has improved. We have discontinued the psycho therapist because Mom is not remembering what the therapist is saying and bringing out of the meetings whatever her mind confabulates. He doctor also 100% endorsed placement in a facility. Mom and Dad went home with my baby sister after the appointment. My two younger sisters are taking Mom and Dad to look at two facilities today. We will see what the next few days brings......

I have had to do the same thing angel bear. Mom has major reactions to steriods including an episode of Prednisone Psychosis, Adrenalin reactions (one of which lead to heart catherization for chest pains), and the diagnosis of Diabeties. She was actually put on medication for diabeties. It was my research into the reactions to steroids that lead to Mom coming off the diabetic medication and having big red letters on her chart that ready :::NO STEROIDS:::. Her blood sugar has be ok since then and we know she has no major coronary blockages!

Love, Deb