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Deroxat
Brand Name: Paxil
What is it?
Deroxat is in the category of drugs referred to as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Serotonin is the chemical in the brain that its function involves moods and a person’s feelings. What happens is that these chemicals are reabsorbed after its initial release. Deroxat works by increasing the level of serotonin available in the brain, allowing an individual to feel less depressed and anxiety driven. It is used in the treatment of depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and various stress disorders. It works in a unique way by increasing the levels of serotonin to a normal level. Deroxat is also used to treat some cases of panic disorders and obsessive compulsive disorders.
How to take it?
Deroxat needs to be prescribed by your doctor. It comes in tablet form. An individual may take one or two tablets daily. An individual is usually started on 10mg a day. It can be taken with or without food, but should usually be taken in the morning. It should be swallowed whole and not crushed up. It can sometimes take a few weeks for the medication to take effect; however, you may see some improvement in your symptoms after a couple of weeks. For elderly individual prescribed this medication, they may be started on a lower dose, and watched more carefully for side effects and drug interactions.
Warnings and Precautions
If you are taking this medication your doctor needs to know if you have a history of liver, kidney or heart disease.
There are some drugs that can possibly interact with this medication. If you are taking cimetidine, warfarin, quinidine, lithium, diazepam, aspirin, and sumatriptan, you need to advise your doctor before taking this medication.
If you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or breast-feeding, you need to inform your doctor. There is some evidence that it can have a negative effect on your unborn child or infant. This medication is not recommended for children under the age of eighteen, as it has shown to make the symptoms of their depression worse over a period of time.
This medication can make you dizzy and drowsy so you should avoid driving a car or using machinery while taking it. You should also avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication as it can increase the depressant effects of the medication.
If you are allergic to any drug or allergic to other types of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors then you need to let your doctor know. You should also not take this drug if you are taking any MAO inhibitors, as this can also have a reaction.
What should you do if you miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, take that dose only. Do not take any extra doses.
What are the side effects?
They are many side effects that this medication brings on; some of the common side effects include insomnia, nausea, dry mouth, diarrhea, dizziness, vertigo, gas, tremors, and constipation. They are some side effects that can be more severe can you should seek medication attention, these include skin sensations, blurred vision, and gas. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should not stop taking the medication, but speak to your doctor first regarding this. Stopping of this medication abruptly could produce negative side effects to the individual.
How to store this medication?
This medication should be kept in the tight container it came in, and out of the reach of children. It should be stored at room temperature, and away from excessive heat and moisture. This medication should not be stored in your bathroom as that will expose it to heat and moisture. You should never use any medication after its expiration date.
What does it look like?
Deroxat comes in tablet form. It ranges in doses from 10mg to 40mg. The doctor will usually start an individual on a lower dose, and see how they respond to that. Doses are increased or decreased based on an individual’s response to the medication.
What if you overdose?
If you by chance take more than the recommended amount of this drug and overdose, contact poison control center immediately; along with your doctor.
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