Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Metaxall as follows:
Hematologic side-effects
- Metaxall intake can sometimes result in breakdown of red blood cells in the circulation. Patients can present with symptoms of anemia, such as pale skin and mucous membranes, exacerbation of shortness of breath, dizziness due to reduced oxygen supply to the brain, and weakness.
- Damaged red blood cells also contribute to elevated bilirubin pigment in the blood, thus contributing to findings of jaundice with yellow discoloration of the sclera (white) of the eye and yellowing of the urine.
Central nervous system side-effects
- Metaxall use can result in episodes of headache, confusion, dizziness, and light-headedness. This risk with metaxall can be even high when it is taken along with any other products and medications causing central nervous depression, such as, alcohol, opioid pain medications, antidepressants, antianxiety medications, and sedatives. Watching closely for therapeutic 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.
- Metaxall use, especially in individuals with history of mood disorders, 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, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, gross appetite changes, impulsiveness, agitation, aggression, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, and compromised sexual drive.
- Metaxall use, especially in individuals with seizure history, can occasionally result in deterioration of seizure control and fresh episodes of seizures.
Serotonin syndrome
- 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.
- Metaxall use, especially along with antidepressants, such as, citalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline, and many others can significantly increase the serotonin levels in the body and lead to development of serotonin syndrome.
- Report symptoms of serotonin syndrome to your physician promptly for any appropriate measures to be considered.
