Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Zofran as follows:
Serotonin syndrome
- Zofran is a medication that selectively blocks serotonin receptors along the gut and the vomiting center of the brain, thus controlling the nausea and vomiting. In this process, it can increase the serotonin levels in the blood and lead to development of serotonin syndrome. Individuals can present with mania, excitement, hallucinations, agitation, insomnia, pounding heartbeat, very rapid heart rate, overactive reflexes, and diarrhea, secondary to elevated serotonin.
- Apart from zofran, a few antidepressants, such as, imipramine, fluoxetine, and sertraline, also carry the risk of increasing serotonin levels in the body. Using zofran along with these antidepressants can significantly increase the serotonin levels in the body, thus significantly increasing risk for serotonin syndrome. Individuals can present with mania, excitement, hallucinations, agitation, insomnia, pounding heartbeat, very rapid heart rate, overactive reflexes, and diarrhea, secondary to elevated serotonin.
Central nervous system side-effects
- Zofran can induce some dizziness and make one drowsy. Starting the medication at a low dose, watching for the response, and gradually changing the dose, to help optimum control of your symptoms, can contribute to controlling/reducing the risk for drowsiness and dizziness due to the medication. Stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until you are used to the side effects caused by zofran intake. If the dizziness becomes bothersome, report it to your physician and other health care personnel, for any change in plan of care to be considered.
- Zofran use can also result in sleep disturbance with hallucinations, poor quality sleep, and restlessness.
- Zofran has potential to reduce the seizure threshold and cause or aggravate seizure episodes, especially in individuals with seizure history. Discuss with your physician regarding your status on seizures, if any, and your safety with using zofran.
- Zofran use carries risk of deterioration of mood disorders and worsening of clinical symptoms of mood disorders. Individuals can present with complaints such as, feeling low and depressed, anxiety, impulsiveness, agitation, and aggression.
Genitourinary side-effects
- Zofran use can result in difficulty emptying the bladder and passing urine. Individuals with history of prostate enlargement and consequently, have difficulty passing urine can be at increased discomfort with emptying the bladder, secondary to zofran intake.
