Patient/caregiver was educated on side effects of using Paroxetine as follows:
General allergic reactions
- Paroxetine use can result in general allergic reactions, such as, skin rashes, hives, and itching.
- Some patients can present with symptoms of severe allergic and anaphylactic response with paroxetine, such as, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, throat, and tongue, with consequent difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical help for such findings, especially with difficulty breathing, for any appropriate measures to be considered.
Vision changes
- Paroxetine use can result in pupillary dilation and obstruction to the drainage of fluid (aqueous humor) inside the eye.
- This blockage of fluid in the eye can result in increase in the intraocular pressure, leading to glaucoma.
- Individuals with glaucoma can present with eye pain, headache, and blurred vision with haloes around light.
Cardiovascular side effects
- Paroxetine carries the risk of lowering the blood pressure. Hypotension, secondary to paroxetine intake, can lead to episodes of confusion and dizziness, thus increasing the risk for fall and accidents.
- Paroxetine also carries the risk of causing and/or aggravating cardiac arrhythmias. Individuals with cardiac arrhythmias can present with episodes of chest pain, rapid heart rate, palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath, and can lead to severe debility and death.
