Oxat is an Indian brand
of SSRI (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) medication paroxetine. It is
prescribed for major depressive disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety
disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and other anxiety disorders.
 |
| Oxat 20mg tablets |
Unlike other anti-depressants
it is especially prescribed for breastfeeding mothers due to low concentration
of the medication in breast milk.
This medication has side
effects common to SSRI class medications such as nausea, heartburn and
headache.
 |
| Heartburn is a common side effect of this medication |
In addition, compared to
other SSRI medications, it can cause more fetal malformations. Therefore, this
medication is not prescribed in pregnancy.
Therefore, breast feeding mothers should use appropriate contraception when using this medication. It is because, breast feeding period is one of the commonest periods a woman can get accidentally pregnant.
What are the uses of Oxat?
This medication is usually
prescribed for major depressive disorder, panic disorder obsessive compulsive
disorder and other anxiety disorders.
Major depression is
characterized by persistent low mood, lack of energy to do day to day tasks,
and lack of pleasure and enjoyment of previously pleasurable activities that is
lasting for more than 2 weeks.
 |
| This medication prescribed frequently for depressed patiennts |
 |
| This medication commonly prescribed for Depression after childbirth. |
Panic and other anxiety
disorders are usually characterized by inappropriate anxiety (“a feeling of
worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something
with an uncertain outcome.”) that can result in severe impairment in
productivity of the affected person.
 |
Panic
disorder can be treated with Oxat
|
In addition, Oxat is
effective in obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD). Obsessive compulsive
disorder is characterized by inappropriately repetitive behavior which is
senseless and resisted by the individual. e.g Washing hands repeatedly even
though the person knows it is useless.
 |
| Repetitive, useless, actions that are not pleasurable are characteristic of OCD such as repetitive hand washing |
As mentioned earlier
Oxat is preferred antidepressant for breastfeeding mothers because this
medication excreted minimally into breast milk.
Due to possible
documented harmful effects on the developing fetus, it is not recommended to
use in pregnancy.
These are the common side effects of Oxat
1.
Nausea
2.
Heartburn
3.
Headache
4.
Loss of appetite
5.
Sexual dysfunction
6.
Yawning
7.
Abnormal dreams
8.
Sleep problems
9.
Increased blood
cholesterol
 |
| Nausea and vomiting can be common side effects |
These are the rare side effects of this medication
1.
Heart problems
2.
Documented harm to the developing
baby when the mother takes this medication.
3.
Initial aggravation of
anxiety when it is prescribed for anxiety disorders. Therefore, doctors
prescribe usually prescribe low doses at the initial period of illness. But
this effect usually goes off after the body gets used to the medication.
4.
Allergic reactions including
hives, itchiness and edema of lips.
5.
Risk of getting mania
(Opposite spectrum of depression where excessive energy, elevated self-esteem
that can result in severe disruption in activities)
6.
Reduced sodium levels in
the blood
7.
Can get increased risk
of bleeding. A common side effect of SSRI medications.
Usually most of the side
effects go off after some time.
But side effects such as
sexual dysfunction, may persist. It is characterized by erectile dysfunction in
men and reduced sexual desire in females.
In addition, this
medication can cause delayed ejaculation. Sometimes it can be used in patients
with premature ejaculation.
Since depression can
also cause sexual dysfunction, some men will experience elevated sexual
activity when they get out of depression.
In anxiety disorders, at
the initial period of treatment, this medication can cause elevated anxiety.
This usually wanes over time.
How Oxat is prescribed?
This medication is
available as tablets. Usual dose range is 10mg – 40mg. Usually patients with
obsessive compulsive disorder receives highest doses
This medication should
be taken after a meal to minimize side effects.
What the doctor should know before prescribing this medication
1.
Whether you have bipolar
affective disorder
2.
Liver problems
3.
Kidney problems
4.
Pregnancy status (should
not be given in first three months of pregnancy)
5.
Having excessive bleeding
problems
6.
Gastritis
"If you are a woman in reproductive age then this medication
should be taken with adequate contraception to prevent exposure to baby. "
Summary
Oxat is a SSRI class
medication prescribed for depression and anxiety disorders. Most common side
effects are nausea, heart burn and sexual dysfunction. This medication should
not be given for pregnant women, even though it is recommended for breast
feeding mothers.
Posts
