Deroxat: Drug Information

Generic name: Proxetine

Brand name: Paxil, Praxit, Raxit, Xet

Drug Class: Antidepressant, SSRI

Uses of Deroxat:

Deroxat is an anti depressant belonging to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is used to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. This drug is sold under the brand name of Paxil in Australia and the United States . It inhibits the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin at the synaptic cleft.

Dosage:

Deroxat is available in the form of tablets and can be taken orally with or without meals. It is essential for you to stick to the dosage prescribed by your doctor and take the medicine at equal intervals everyday. Do not stop taking it abruptly without the consent of your doctor as it may result in worsening your symptoms.

Warning and Precautions:

Do not take this medicine if you are hypersensitive to it.

If you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), you must not take this medicine.

Tell your doctor if you have been diagnosed with epilepsy, glaucoma, kidney or liver disorder or mania. Caution and regular drug monitoring is required when prescribing Paxil to these patients.

Caution is advised when administering this medicine to the elderly.

Side effects of Deroxat:

Some of the most common side effects of this medication include postural hypotension, nausea, sweating, tremors, asthenia, dry mouth, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, dizziness, constipation, diarrhea, decreased appetite, rash, acute glaucoma, urinary retention, peripheral edema and blurred vision.

Deroxat should not be suddenly withdrawn and should not be used with MAIOs. Patients already receiving neuroleptics must not use the drug. Special precautions must be taken in case of pregnancy and lactation. Abrupt discontinuation may lead to symptoms such as dizziness, sensory disturbances, sleep disturbances, agitation or anxiety, nausea and sweating.

Overdose:

Symptoms of Deroxat overdose include somnolence, nausea, tremors, confusion, vomiting, tachycardia, coma, vertigo, convulsions, ventricular dysrhythmias, mydriasis, hypertension, syncope, manic reactions, serotonin syndrome and acute renal failure. It is essential for you to contact your physician at the earliest in case of an overdose or contact your local poison control center.