Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking paroxetine as follows:
- Observe compliance with all physician visits and periodical lab draws ordered, while taking paroxetine. This helps to timely notify your doctor on improvement/deterioration with symptoms of mood disorder and side-effects developed. This will also allow your physician to make appropriate changes to plan of care and dose of paroxetine, as needed.
- Paroxetine use in expectant mothers could harm the unborn baby and result in birth defects. So, paroxetine should be avoided for an alternative drug during pregnancy and in women planning for pregnancy. Women in the child-bearing age group, taking paroxetine on a regular basis, must employ effective contraceptive measures in order to avoid getting pregnant.
- Paroxetine is extensively metabolized in the liver and inactive metabolites are excreted in the urine and feces. If liver function is deficient, the metabolism of Paroxetine can be compromised. In this case, paroxetine can stay in the body for prolonged duration of time in comparison to normal leading to increased blood levels of the medication for longer periods of time. This can lead to increased risk for side-effects and consequent toxicity. So, Paroxetine could be cautiously administered or avoided for an alternative medication, in individuals with hepatic dysfunction. Periodical labs for liver function could be ordered and individuals monitored for development of any toxic symptoms. Discuss with your physician regarding history of compromised liver function, if any.
