Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking metaxall as follows:
- Metaxall use, especially in individuals with any current seizure complaint or history of seizures, can occasionally result in lowering of seizure threshold, deterioration of seizure control, and episodes of seizures. Metaxall is avoided for a better alternative or must be very cautiously administered in individuals with seizure history and response closely monitored. Seizure precaution and management measures must be reinforced. Observe compliance with intake of prescribed anti-seizure medications, if any. Any episodes of seizures while taking Metaxall should be immediately reported to the physician, for necessary medication changes to be considered.
- Metaxall use, especially in individuals with history of mood disorders, can occasionally result in exacerbation of mania and depressive symptoms, changes in behavior, hallucinations, and compromised sexual drive. Metaxall must either be avoided for an alternative or used with extra caution in individuals with such history, to prevent exacerbation of mood disorders. Closely watching for the therapeutic response and developing side-effects, with timely reporting the findings to the physician, can allow appropriate changes in the dose of metaxall and plan of care. This can help with better management of your condition and avoid risk for worsening of behavioral and mood disorders.
- Serotonin is one chemical in the brain, which in permissible amounts, is believed to reduce anxiety and promote happiness and well-being. Very excessive concentrations of serotonin in the brain can lead to serotonin syndrome. Individuals with serotonin syndrome can present with mania, excitement, hallucinations, agitation, insomnia, pounding heartbeat, very rapid heart rate, overactive reflexes, and diarrhea. Use of metaxall, especially along with a few other antidepressants, such as, citalopram, fluoxetine, and sertraline, can result in dangerously elevated serotonin in the blood, leading to development of serotonin syndrome, and so, is contraindicated.
- If you miss a dose, try taking it at the earliest notice of noncompliance. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the dose scheduled. Do not take an extra dose to try making up for the missed dose, which can result in toxicity. Notify your doctor and other health care personnel regarding your dose noncompliance.
