Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Aventyl as follows:
- 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. Aventyl use, especially along with a few other antidepressants, such as, citalopram, fluoxetine, and sertraline, can significantly increase the serotonin levels in the body, lead to development of serotonin syndrome, and so, is contraindicated. Caution must be exercised even when discontinuing on any of the above mentioned antidepressant medications with potential to increase serotonin levels and starting on Aventyl, by observing a window period of atleast 2 weeks, before the transition to Aventyl is made. Using Aventyl with these medications closely can result in dangerously elevated serotonin in the blood, leading to development of serotonin syndrome.
- Aventyl use in expectant mothers could increase risk for pregnancy complications, such as, miscarriage. Newborns can also present with harmful side-effects of the medication. Aventyl can cross the placenta and enter the baby. Newborns exposed to Aventyl in the uterus can present with harmful side-effects of the medication, such as, respiratory depression, breathing difficulties, developmental delays, and other toxicity with the medication. After birth, newborns could also demonstrate symptoms of sudden withdrawal from the medication and present with listlessness, lack of energy, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, feeding difficulties, and seizures. So, Aventyl is cautiously administered with careful monitoring or avoided for an alternative drug during pregnancy and in women planning for pregnancy. Women in the child-bearing age group taking Aventyl must employ effective contraceptive measures in order to avoid getting pregnant.
- Do not take Aventyl with alcohol or opioid pain medications, such as, hydrocodone and codeine, as these products can add to the confusion caused by Aventyl. A number of OTC cough medications, antihistamines, and antianxiety medications, can potentiate the confusion caused by Aventyl and so, must be avoided taking along with Aventyl. Avoid taking any other medications with potential to cause drowsiness along with Aventyl at the same time.
