Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Aventyl as follows:

Central nervous system side-effects

• Aventyl 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. 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. Stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until you are used to the side effects caused by Aventyl intake.
• Continue taking Aventyl, even if your mood feels better. Discontinuing the medication abruptly can result in disruption of this chemical balance in the brain, resulting in onset of severe withdrawal from the medication. Individuals on sudden withdrawal from Aventyl, especially after prolonged use, can present with listlessness, lack of energy, exacerbation of depressive symptoms, anxiety, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, hallucinations, and mania. Discontinuation on Aventyl use must be slow and gradual, using tapering doses, and only on your physician recommendation.
• Aventyl use carries risk for deterioration of mood disorders and worsening of clinical symptoms of mood disorders. Individuals can present with complaints such as, feeling low, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, gross appetite changes, impulsiveness, agitation, aggression, and suicidal thoughts. Report to your physician regarding these complaints promptly, for any change in plan of care to be considered.

Gastrointestinal side-effects                                                                 

• Aventyl use can result in common general constitutional symptoms such as, nausea and vomiting. Taking dose of Aventyl with a glass of water, after having some food or a snack can help avoid having unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms with the medication.
• Aventyl can also induce extreme dry mouth and constipation. Sucking on a sugar free hard candy can help with symptomatic relief of dry mouth. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations can help with relief from constipation. If you experience any further bothersome constipation, report it to your physician for a recommendation on laxative/stool softener use. Observing compliance with fiber intake recommendations in the diet can also help with preventing episodes of constipation with the medication.