Oxat 20mg Tablet

Uses of Oxat 20mg Tablet

• Depression
• Panic disorder
• Major depressive disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
• Generalized anxiety disorder.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

How does Oxat 20mg Tablet work?

Oxat 20mg Tablet works by increasing the level of a certain chemical (serotonin) in your brain. Thus it improves your mood, decreases fear, anxiety, or unwanted thoughts, and helps restore your interest in daily activities. 

Side Effects of Oxat 20mg Tablet

• Delayed ejaculation
• Low sexual desire
• Nausea
• Tremor
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Dryness in mouth
• Erectile dysfunction
• Fatigue
• Increased sweating
• Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
• Loss of appetite
• Nervousness
• Sleepiness

Quick Suggestions:

• It can take 2-3 weeks for Paroxetine to start working.
• Do not stop treatment suddenly as this may cause upset stomach, flu-like withdrawal symptoms, and sleep disturbance.
• If your doctor asks you to stop Paroxetine, you should reduce the dose slowly over 4 weeks.
• Avoid consuming alcohol when taking Paroxetine, as it may cause excessive drowsiness and calmness.
• The addiction/dependence potential of Paroxetine is very less.

Indication of Oxat 20mg Tablet

Paroxetine is used in the treatment of depression, Panic disorder, and anxiety disorder.

Pharmacology

Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which means it specifically targets serotonin reuptake transporters and inhibits the reuptake of serotonin in the brain. By doing so, it increases the concentration of serotonin in the synapses between nerve cells, leading to enhanced serotonin neurotransmission and mood regulation.

Unlike some other antidepressants, Paroxetine has limited direct action at other neurotransmitter sites, including muscarinic receptors. This selective action on serotonin reuptake is what contributes to its effectiveness in treating various mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, OCD, and other conditions mentioned earlier. The limited interaction with other receptors also helps in reducing the potential side effects associated with non-selective neurotransmitter modulation.

Dosage & Administration of Oxat 20mg Tablet

The recommended adult doses for Paroxetine in various conditions are as follows:

Depression, Anxiety, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder:

• Initial dose: 20 mg daily
• Increase gradually, if necessary, by 10-mg increments weekly
• Maximum dose: 50 mg/day

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder:

• Initial dose: 20 mg daily
• Increase weekly in 10-mg increments
• Maintenance dose: 40-60 mg daily

Panic Disorder with or without Agoraphobia:

• Initial dose: 10 mg daily
• Increase weekly in 10-mg increments according to clinical response
• Maintenance dose: 40-60 mg daily

For elderly patients:

• Initial dose: 10 mg daily
• Increase if needed by 10 mg/day at 1-week intervals
• Maximum dose: 40 mg daily

For patients with severe hepatic impairment:

• Severe hepatic impairment: 10 mg daily
• Increase to a maximum of 40 mg daily as necessary

For patients with severe renal impairment:

• Severe renal impairment: 10 mg daily
• Increase to a maximum of 40 mg daily as necessary

It's essential to follow the prescribed dosing regimen and consult a healthcare professional for individualized treatment and dosage adjustments. The use of Paroxetine in children has not been established for safety and efficacy, so it is not recommended for pediatric patients.

Take Oxat 20mg Tablet in the morning with food to prevent stomach upset.Tablet/Capsule: Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water; do not chew or crush the tablet/capsule.

Interaction

Oxat 20mg Tablet may interact with various drugs, including:

1. Blood thinners: Warfarin, clopidogrel
2. Anti-psychotics: Perphenazine, thioridazine, clozapine, lithium, risperidone
3. Antidepressants: Clomipramine, moclobemide, methylthioninium chloride/methylene blue, nortriptyline, desipramine
4. NSAIDs: Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), ibuprofen, celecoxib, etodolac, diclofenac, meloxicam, tramadol, pethidine
5. Anti-cancer: Tamoxifen
6. Anti-migraine: Sumatriptan
7. Dietary supplement: Tryptophan
8. Opioid analgesics: Fentanyl
9. Anti-HIV: Ritonavir, fosamprenavir
10. Anti-convulsants: Phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine
11. Antiarrhythmics: Propafenone, flecainide
12. Anti-hypertensive: Metoprolol
13. Anti-TB: Rifampicin
14. Antibiotic: Linezolid
15. Statin: Pravastatin
16. Neuromuscular blockers: Mivacurium, suxamethonium
17. Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor: Atomoxetine
18. The herbal supplement used to treat depression: St. John's wort
19. Anticholinergic medication: Procyclidine

It's crucial to inform your doctor about any existing medical conditions you have, such as glaucoma, diabetes, epilepsy, mania, bleeding problems, hyponatremia (low sodium levels), and heart, liver, or kidney dysfunction, as these can also impact the use of Oxat 20mg Tablet and may require special considerations or dose adjustments.

As for drug-food interactions, there are no specific interactions established for Oxat 20mg Tablet with food.

Always consult your healthcare professional before starting or stopping any medication to avoid potential interactions and ensure safe and effective treatment.

Contraindications

Paroxetine is not recommended for patients who are known to be allergic to paroxetine or any of its components. It should not be taken with pimozide, thioridazine, or MAO inhibitors.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Paroxetine is classified as Pregnancy Category D, indicating that there is evidence of risk to the fetus, and its use during pregnancy should only be considered if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks to the developing baby.

Regarding lactation, the safety of Paroxetine in breastfeeding women is not well-established. Due to the lack of sufficient data, it is generally recommended to avoid using Paroxetine during lactation unless the potential benefits to the mother outweigh the potential risks to the breastfeeding infant. If a lactating woman needs to take Paroxetine, close monitoring of the baby for any adverse effects is essential.

As with any medication, it is crucial for pregnant or breastfeeding women to consult their healthcare provider before starting or continuing any treatment to ensure the best course of action for both the mother and the baby's well-being. The healthcare provider can weigh the potential risks and benefits and provide guidance on the most appropriate treatment plan.

Precautions & Warnings

• Consult your doctor immediately if you experience suicidal thoughts, such as thoughts of harming or killing yourself.
• Inform your doctor if you have a history of or current conditions like epilepsy, mania, diabetes, low sodium levels in your blood, glaucoma, or are undergoing electro-convulsive therapy for severe depression.
• Avoid taking Oxat 20mg Tablet during pregnancy, as it may harm the fetus. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding before taking the medication.
• Refrain from driving or operating machinery while on Oxat 20mg Tablet 10's, as it may cause dizziness, confusion, sleepiness, and blurred vision.
• The medication is not recommended for children below 18 years of age, as its safety and effectiveness have not been established in this age group.
• Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Oxat 20mg Tablet 10's, as it may worsen your symptoms or side effects.
• Always follow your doctor's advice and adhere to the prescribed dosage and instructions for safe and effective treatment.

Storage Conditions

• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton.
• Do not store it above 25°C.
• Do not throw the medication via household waste or wastewater. Ask your pharmacist about the proper disposal of medicines no longer required.