Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking paroxetine as follows:
- Paroxetine carries significant risk for 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, eye pain, headache, blurred vision with haloes around light, compromised vision, and glaucoma. So, paroxetine is contraindicated or cautiously administered in glaucoma patients. Individuals with history of glaucoma must discuss with their physician on safety with paroxetine intake and observe extra caution in watching out for exacerbation of eye pain and deterioration of vision. Report any eye pain and changes with vision, while taking paroxetine, to your physician immediately, so that, an alternative plan of care could be considered. Observe compliance with any periodical vision exams recommended.
- Paroxetine intake carries the risk of causing seizures, especially in individuals with history of seizures. Individuals can present with sudden episodes of loss of consciousness, intense convulsions with muscle contractions, bowel and bladder incontinence. Do not ignore seizure episodes and report them to your physician promptly for any appropriate measures to be considered. Discuss with your physician regarding your history of seizures, if any, if you are newly started on paroxetine. If you are newly diagnosed with seizure complaint, discuss with your physician regarding your safety with continuing on paroxetine, if you have been using paroxetine for long. Observe compliance with intake of anti-seizure medications prescribed, if any.
- Paroxetine intake can thin the blood and increase risk for bleeding in the skin and mucus membranes. Patients can present with bleeding spots on the skin, internal abdominal bleeding with fresh blood or partially digested blood in the stool, and bleeding in the urine staining the urine brownish red. This risk is further more in individuals concurrently taking blood thinners and anticoagulants, such as, aspirin, warfarin, Xarelto, and Eliquis. Some other antidepressants and antipsychotic medications also contribute to thinning of blood and episodes of bleeding. Administration of paroxetine along with these medications can also precipitate dangerous bleeding episodes. Check with your physician on the safety with paroxetine use and the possibility for interaction with other medications on your list. While taking paroxetine, keep a close watch on the stool and urine color for any red discoloration, indicating fresh bleeds. Report to your physician regarding any bleeding spots in the skin, episodes of fresh bleed with the stool and urine, after starting to take paroxetine. Partially digested blood from internal abdominal bleeding can stain the stool black and tarry, which also must be reported to the physician.
