paroxetine

• Risk factors: Age 24 or younger

SSRIs can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Although this side effect is not common for paroxetine (Brisdelle), it has been seen with higher doses of paroxetine (the active ingredient in Brisdelle). Watch for new or worsening depression and suicidal thoughts or behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment. Let your healthcare professional (HCP) know immediately if you notice any unusual changes in mood or behavior while taking paroxetine (Brisdelle).

• Risk factors: Taking other medications that can affect the serotonin levels in your brain

Though rare, taking paroxetine can lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition where there's too much serotonin in the brain. Your risk goes up if you take paroxetine (Brisdelle) with other medications that affect serotonin levels (antidepressants, lithium (Lithobid), triptans for migraines, St. John's wort). Tell your pharmacist about all medications and over-the-counter products you take before starting paroxetine (Brisdelle), so that they can check for any interactions. Symptoms of too much serotonin include a fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, and confusion. Tell your HCP or seek medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms.

Paroxetine (Brisdelle) might interact with a breast cancer medication called tamoxifen. Some studies suggest that when taken together, tamoxifen might not work as well as it should, which can cause breast cancer to spread. To be safe, your healthcare team might recommend that you avoid taking these two medications at the same time. Make sure to discuss all medications you take with your care team before starting paroxetine (Brisdelle). If you're told you need to start taking tamoxifen while on paroxetine (Brisdelle), speak with your HCP about alternative medications to treat hot flashes.

• Risk factors: Taking other blood-thinning medications (including aspirin, NSAIDs, or warfarin)

Paroxetine (Brisdelle) can raise the risk of bleeding or bruising, especially if you're also taking blood-thinner medications, including aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The bleeding can be life-threatening. Tell your healthcare professional about any bruising that doesn't improve, black-colored stools, pink or red urine, or unusual bleeding from the nose or gums.

• Risk factors: Narrow angle glaucoma

Paroxetine (Brisdelle) can cause changes to the eye. These changes are usually minor and don't affect most people. If you have narrow angle glaucoma, these changes can worsen your condition. This raises your risk of glaucoma-related problems like vision loss and blindness. Make sure your HCP knows if you have any problems with your eyes. If you notice any changes to your vision while taking paroxetine (Brisdelle), let your primary care provider and eye care professional know right away.

• Risk factors: People over age 65 | Taking diuretic medications ("water pills")

In some rare cases, paroxetine (Brisdelle) causes very low sodium levels in the blood. If you're over 65 years old or take diuretics ("water pills"), your risk of this is higher. You might need to have regular blood tests done while taking paroxetine (Brisdelle) to make sure the sodium in your blood stays at a normal level. Tell your HCP right away if you experience weakness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, headache, or memory problems.

• Risk factors: Low bone mineral density | Osteoporosis

In some rare cases, people taking SSRIs, like paroxetine (Brisdelle), have been more prone to bone fractures. Those with low bone mineral density or who have osteoporosis have a higher risk of bone fractures. If you notice any unusual bone pain or bruising, swelling, and tenderness of a particular area that's near a bone, contact your HCP right away.

• Risk factors: Personal history of bipolar disorder | Family history of bipolar disorder

Although paroxetine (Brisdelle) isn't used to treat mental health conditions, it can have an effect on people with bipolar disorder. Treating someone with bipolar disorder with an antidepressant alone can cause a manic episode (great excitement, euphoria, delusions, and overactivity). This is more likely to happen if you or someone in your family has had bipolar disorder. Your HCP should make sure that you don't have bipolar disorder before starting paroxetine (Brisdelle). Talk to your prescriber right away if you notice unusual changes in your behavior.

• Risk factors: History of seizures

In some rare cases, paroxetine (Brisdelle) can raise the risk of seizures. Let your HCP know if you have a history of seizures or are more prone to get seizures before starting this medication.

Some people develop a problem called akathisia after starting paroxetine (Brisdelle). This typically occurs within the first few weeks of treatment. Symptoms of akathisia include not being able to sit still, a feeling of restlessness, extreme anxiety when sitting still, fidgeting, rocking back and forth, and pacing. If any of these symptoms happen while taking paroxetine (Brisdelle), contact your prescriber. You'll need to stop taking this medication if you develop these symptoms.

Taking paroxetine (Brisdelle) can affect your concentration and focus. Avoid activities that require you to be alert, like driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medication affects you.

Paroxetine (Brisdelle) is known to interact with several medications, including some over-the-counter products. Some of these interactions can be dangerous or life-threatening. Make sure to tell both your prescriber and your pharmacist about all medications and over-the-counter products you are taking before you start paroxetine (Brisdelle), even if you only take them once in a while or as needed.