Use and side effects of Oxat tablets

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.

8.     Serotonin syndrome

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.

Causes and symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is a rare and potentially life threatening drug side effect. It is characterized by muscle stiffness, tremors, nausea, vomiting and fever. It occurs with drugs that interact with the serotonin system of the human body.

How serotonin acts?

Serotonin is a natural neurotransmitter in human body. It controls various autonomic functions such as appetite and sleep regulation. In addition serotonin acts as a neurotransmitter in various neuronal circuits of the brain. These neuronal circuits are responsible for various higher functions such as mood, memory and learning. Several classes of drugs adjust serotonin levels in the brain.

What happens in serotonin syndrome?

In serotonin syndrome, serotonin action increases suddenly. It can happen with the increased serotonin levels or with increased serotonin receptor sensitivity with normal serotonin levels. In addition it can be caused by increased levels of substances that stimulate serotonin receptors. Sudden increase in serotonin action causes following symptoms.

What are the symptoms of serotonin syndrome?

Common symptoms are confusion, coma, myoclonus, tremors, shivering, fever, ataxia, nausea/vomiting and high or low blood pressure (labile blood pressure).

What are the drugs that can precipitate it?

* SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
* Tricyclic anti-depressants
* MAO (Mono amine oxidase) inhibitors
* Amphetamines
* Lithium carbonate
* Drugs of abuse

This syndrome almost never occurs naturally without drugs or herbal medications.

What causes serotonin syndrome?

Serotonin syndrome can occur, when the drug dose is suddenly increased. This can commonly occur when patients mistakenly take higher doses for some time. In addition doctors sometimes mistakenly increase the dose, especially SSRIs. But it should be noted that serotonin syndrome occur almost always when the increased drug dose is taken within several days or weeks. However a single large dose of drugs usually does not cause serotonin syndrome.

Another common scenario that can result in serotonin syndrome is taking drugs of abuse such as Amphetamines (ecstasy) and cocaine by a patient who is on SSRIs or above drugs.
In addition, combining two serotonergic drugs can result in serotonin syndrome. Common drug combinations that can cause this syndrome are SSRIs /Lithium carbonate, SSRIs / TCAs and MAOI /SSRIs.

In addition some people may get serotonin syndrome with plant extracts such as St. John’s wart. The incidence is common if a person takes an antidepressant with St. John’s wart. In addition serotonin syndrome can occur rarely in patients who use above drugs, with over the counter cough preparations containing Dextromethorphan. Serotonin syndrome can also occur in people who take drugs of abuse such as LSD and MDMA.

Summary

Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life threatening drug complication. It can be caused by various drugs that interact with the serotonin system of the body, especially psychoactive substances such as Prozac, Lithium, LSD and St. John’s wart.

Flutinol tablets uses and side effects

Flutinol is a brand of fluoxetine prescribed for clinical depression and anxiety disorders. It is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) class medication manufactured by Sun pharmaceuticals, India. Its main side effects are nausea, insomnia, sexual dysfunction and headache.

Uses of Flutinol

This medication is prescribed for major depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar depression and obsessive compulsive disorders.

Depressive disorder is characterized by persistent low mood, difficulty in doing everyday tasks and work due to lack of energy and unable experience pleasure. In addition, depressed people frequently get suicidal ideas and get ideas of hopelessness and worthlessness.

Flutinol is commonly prescribed for depression

This medication is effective for both major depressive disorder and bipolar depression. Bipolar depression is characterized by having episodes of mania (opposite of depression which is disruptive) interspersed with depressive episodes.

Flutinol is given in combination with Olanzapine (Oleanz) to treat bipolar depression. Otherwise (when given alone) there is risk of shifting to manic phase.

In addition to treating depressive disorders, this medication is effective in treating wide variety of anxiety disorders. These include panic disorder characterized by sudden out of the blue attacks of anxiety. In addition, this medication is used for generalized anxiety disorder characterized by prevailing anxious mood with worrying thoughts.

In addition, this medication is prescribed for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). It is usually given in higher doses in OCD.

Other indications are premature ejaculation, premenstrual syndrome and reduce sexual drive in people with abnormal sexual preferences (paraphilia).

Side effects of Flutinol

Commonest side effects are listed here

1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Headache
4. Mania
5. Poor sleep
6. Sexual dysfunction: - Characterized as erectile dysfunction in men and reduced sexual desire in both women and men.  However, since depression can also cause sexual dysfunction net effect may be increased sexual function. 
7. Tremors
8. Gastric irritation and heart burn
9. Increased anxiety at the beginning of the treatment, which usually wanes after some time. 

1. Uncommon side effects
2. Aggrevation of psychosis
3. Bleeding problems
4. Reduction in blood sodium level
5. Serotonin syndrome

How is it prescribed?

Flutinol is available as capsules. Usual dose is 20mg per day. It is given in the morning to prevent interference with sleep. It should be taken fully without crushing the capsule outer coating. In addition, it should be taken with full glass of water and preferably after a meal. Taking it after a meal will reduce the side effects.

For obsession and compulsive disorder, it is prescribed at higher doses sometimes reaching 80mg per day.

Withdrawal symptoms

This medication can cause withdrawal symptoms, if it is stopped suddenly after prolonged use. Common withdrawal symptoms are tiredness, increased lacrimation, rhinorrhea and increased anxiety.

Before you take Flutinol

As with every medication, there are precautions that you might need to take into consideration. Make sure your doctor has your detailed medical history, before starting you on this medication. It is especially important that you should tell your medical problems, other medications you are on and any street drugs you are on to your doctor.

You should inform your doctor, whether you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or breast feeding. In addition, it is especially important to tell your doctor if you are on following drugs

Other antidepressants (MAOI class of medications, TCA and SSRI class medications)
St Johns wart

Conditions you need to inform your doctor before getting prescription

1. Allergic to SSRI or fluoxetine
2. Gastric bleeding
3. Liver problems
4. Kidney problems
5. Taking alcohol
6. Having a bleeding disorder

Summary

Flutinol is an Indian brand name of fluoxetine prescribed for depression and anxiety disorders. Most common side effects are nausea, headache and gastric discomfort.

Nexito plus uses and side effects

Nexito plus is a combination of escitalopram 5mg and 0.5mg clonazepam in a single tablet. It is effective against anxiety disorders and in depression with poor sleep. This combination is effective against panic disorder, where the patient’s anxiety symptoms usually get worse initially with SSRI (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).

In addition, this medication can be given to people who have sleep problems. It is because escitalopram alone will reduce sleep and clonazepam increases sleep. So the combination can balance out. However, side effects of both compounds occur with this medication.

Problems with Nexito plus

Since this medication has fixed combination, it is impossible to change a single medication. Therefore, during early treatment phase, this medication is not recommended. It is better to have both types of medications given as single tablets, so they can be changed individually.

In addition, some mental health professionals do not agree about continuing benzodiazepines for long time. It is due to habit forming potential of benzodiazepines (clonazepam in Nexito plus).
Escitalopram alone is usually prescribed for long duration. Therefore, this medication is not recommended for longer duration. In such patients pure Nexito will be the choice.

Advantages of Nexito plus

This medication has the advantage of having less SSRI side effects such as insomnia, tremors and agitation. It is especially useful for patients who are sensitive for such side effects. In addition, this combination simplifies medication schedule so people will have less tablets to swallow.

You can see the comprehensive account on Nexito (Pure escitalopram) here.

Anxit is medication prescribed for sudden anxiety attacks

Side effects of Nexito plus

Side effects are combination of both escitalopram and clonazepam. Compared to pure Nexito, Nexito plus causes less tremors, less sleep disturbances and less agitation.

1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Headache
4. Weight loss
5. Loss of appetite
6. Sexual dysfunction
7. Sleep disturbances

Sexual dysfunction is common side effect of SSRI class medications

In addition to above side effects, this medication can have following side effects.

1. Increased risk of mania in patients with bipolar affective disorders. 
2. Reduced blood sodium level
3. Serotonin syndrome
4. Increased bleeding
5. Yawning
6. Impaired concentration

Due to the presence of clonazepam, this medication can cause drowsiness, dizziness, loss of memory and unsteady walking. In addition, there is danger in working next day after this medication is taken in the night. It is safe not to engage in driving or operate machinery in the next day until you know how this medication affects you.

Operating machinery can be dangerous when you are on this medication

It is also advisable not to take alcoholic beverages as this medication can increase intoxication and side effects of alcohol.

Due to the presence of clonazepam, this medication can become habit forming. In addition, if you suddenly discontinued this medication, then you may experience more withdrawal symptoms (agitation, poor sleep, increased anxiety).

Summary

Nexito plus is a mixture of escitalopram and clonazepam. It is useful in patients who are sensitive to side effects of SSRI medications. Side effects are nausea, dizziness and sexual dysfunction.

Clofranil use and side effects

Clofranil is a brand of Clomipramine. It is prescribed for obsessive compulsive disorder and depressive disorder. Main side effects are drowsiness, feeling faintish, dry mouth and constipation. This is a TCA class antidepressant with more serotonergic actions than other TCA antidepressants. More serotonergic action makes this medication more similar to SSRI (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) class medication and it is more effective in OCD (Obsessive compulsive disorder).

Clofranil 50mg tablets

Uses of Clofranil

This medication is an antidepressant. It is primarily used for mental health problems such as depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. Compared to other antidepressants in this class, this medication is more effective in OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder.

This medication is useful in treating OCD (Obsessive compulsive disorder)

Obsessive compulsive disorder is a mental health problem associated with repeated thoughts or actions that are resisted.  A common example is excessive hand washing in a patient with repetitive belief that his/her hands are contaminated by germs. Usually excessive means around more than 10 times of washing hands per session. Usually the compulsion or act starts once the patient gets the thought that his hands are dirty.  

In fact, in current psychiatry practice it is used as a medication for OCD than depression. Most doctors use it as a second line treatment option for OCD, due to its unfavorable side effects profile. But according to this author's experience this medication helps patients who are resistant to SSRI medications.

What are the common side effects of Clofranil?

1. Drowsiness
2. Dry mouth
3. Constipation
4. Increased heart rate
5. Feeling faintish
6. Confusion
7. Nausea
8. Headache
9. Yawning
10. Blurred vision
11. Sexual dysfunction

Since this is a TCA (Tricyclic antidepressant) class medication, drowsiness and dry mouth is common. Usually SSRI medications do not cause such side effects.

Due to side effect of drowsiness, it will affect driving and ability to operate machinery.

Sexual dysfunction includes erectile dysfunction in males and reduced sexual desire in females.

What are the dangerous side effects?

1. Urine retention
2. Glaucoma or increased eye pressure
3. Heart block
4. Mania

Since this medication can cause serious heart problems (heart block) it is toxic when taken overdose. Therefore, it is prescribed carefully for highly suicidal patients. This medication can cause manic shift in patients with bipolar affective disorder. Urine retention can be a troublesome side effect in elderly patients.

What are rare but documented side effects of Clofranil?

1. Breast enlargement
2. Increased appetite with increased body weight
3. Getting low sodium in the blood (Hyponatremia)
4. Hallucinations
5. Epileptic Seizures
6. Flushing
7. Impaired memory
8. Muscle weakness

Things you need to discuss with your doctor?

Before getting the prescription, you need to inform your doctor if you have following medical/psychiatric conditions.

1. Any heart disease or Hypertension
2. Liver disease
3. Kidney disease
4. Bipolar affective disorder
5. Diabetes mellitus
6. Schizophrenia
7. Eye problems
8. Prostate problems in males (History of urinary retention)
9. Long standing constipation
10. History of all the medications you are on including street drugs

Compared to newer anti-depressants this medication is safe in pregnancy and breast feeding. It is due to availability of large amount of safety information.

How Clofranil is taken?

This medication is available as 50mg and 25mg tablets. Usual dose range is 50mg per day to 250mg per day. It should be taken with a full glass of water and should not be crushed before ingesting.

Summary

Clofranil is a TCA class antidepressant medication usually prescribed for OCD (Obsessive compulsive disorder) and depression. Common side effects are drowsiness and dry mouth.

Paxidep CR tablets uses and side effects

Paxidep CR is an Indian brand of SSRI (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressant. Its generic name is paroxetine. It is prescribed for depression, panic disorder and other anxiety disorders. It is especially prescribed for breastfeeding mothers due to low concentration of the medication in breast milk. CR is shortened name for controlled release. It means once the medication is ingested, tablet will release the active drug into the blood  slowly. Therefore it will cause less side effects. 

However, this medication is having side effects common to SSRI class medications such as nausea, heartburn and headache. In addition, compared to other SSRI medications, it can cause more fetal malformations. Therefore, this medication should be discontinued in pregnancy.

Paxidep controlled release tablets can  be used less frequently and at low doses to minimize side effects

Pregnant women should not take this medication due to risk to the baby

Uses of Paxidep CR

This medication is prescribed for major depression, panic disorder and other anxiety disorders. Clinical depression is characterized by persistent low mood, low energy, and lack of enjoyment of previously enjoyable activities lasting for more than two weeks. In addition, depression can cause suicidal ideation.

Depression is a common indication for this medication

Panic and other anxiety disorders are characterized by inappropriate anxiety (“a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.”) that can cause severe functional impairment in the affected individual.

Panic disorder can be treated with Paxidep

In addition, Paxidep CR 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 Repetitive hand washing to wash away germs.

This medication is preferred antidepressant in breastfeeding due to minimal drug concentration in breast milk. However, it should not be used by pregnant women. Therefore, breast feeding women should take adequate contraception during treatment.

What are the common side effects of Paxidep CR?

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

What are the rare side effects of this medication?

1. Heart problems
2. Documented harm to the baby when the mother takes this medication.
3. Initial increase of anxiety when prescribed for anxiety disorders. Due to this risk many doctors prescribe low doses at the initial period of illness. But this effect usually wanes after that.
4. Hives and allergic reaction
5. Risk of mania (Opposite of depression with excessive energy, elevated self-esteem that can cause severe social malfunction)
6. Reduced salt levels in blood
7. Increased risk of bleeding
8. Serotonin syndrome

Most of the side effects go off after some time. But most troublesome 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 which can be used in the treatment of premature ejaculation.

Since depression can also cause sexual dysfunction, some will experience elevated sexual activity due to reduced depression. So it is a balance of effects of depression and medication.

In anxiety disorders, at the initial period of treatment, this medication can cause elevated anxiety. This usually wanes over time.  

How Paxidep CR is prescribed?

This medication is available as tablets. Usual dose range is between 12.5 to 37.5mg per day. Elderly patients will get maximum daily dose of 25mg. Usually the medication is prescribed in morning due to the disturbance of sleep associated with this medication.

This medication should be taken with meals to minimize side effects. It should be taken with a full glass of water and the tablet should not be crushed/broken.

What the doctor should know before prescribing this medication

1. Bipolar affective disorder
2. Liver problems
3. Kidney problems
4. Pregnancy status (should not be given in first trimester of pregnancy)
5. Bleeding problems
6. Long standing gastritis

"If you are a woman in reproductive age then this medication should be taken with adequate contraception to prevent exposure to baby. "

Oxat is another paroxetine brand that is popular in India. 

Summary

Paxidep CR is a controlled release SSRI class medication prescribed for depression and anxiety disorders. Main side effects are nausea, heart burn and sexual dysfunction. This medication should not be prescribed for pregnant women who are in their first trimester. 

Venlift OD uses and side effects

Venlift OD ("Once daily") is a medication prescribed for major depression and anxiety disorders. It is an Indian brand name of Venlafaxine manufactured by Torrent pharmaceuticals. This medication is a SNRI or selective serotonin and noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor class medication.

This medication acts by increasing serotonin and noradrenaline in nerve terminals.
Its commonest side effects are dry mouth, reduced sleep and constipation. Venlift OD is the extended release preparation of the Venlift. Venlift OD has to be given less frequently than Venlift.

Sections

1. Side effects of Venlift OD

Uses of Venlift OD

This medication is prescribed for depressive disorder, anxiety disorder such as panic disorder and social phobia.

Venlift OD capsules

Depression is characterized by persistent low mood, difficulty in enjoying pleasure and inability to work due to lack of energy. In addition, patients with severe form of depression get suicidal ideas and can end their lives.

Venlift OD is prescribed for depression

In addition to depression, this medication is useful in treating anxiety disorders such as social phobia and panic disorder. Panic disorder is characterized by sudden onset out of the blue attacks of anxiety associated with fear of death, fear of suffocation or fear of heart attacks. It is common for general medical clinic to get patients with panic disorder.

Social anxiety disorder is characterized by severe disabling anxiety in social situations. They become severely anxious to talk to strangers and participate in social events.

How to take Venlift OD

This medication should be taken with a full glass of water. In addition, it should be taken with food to minimize side effects. Since this medication comes as a capsule, you should not break or remove the cover of the capsule.

Always follow your doctor’s advice and do not stop taking this medication without medical advice.

Usual dose range of this medication is 37.5mg to 375mg per day. Venlift OD preparation can be given once daily but most of the time prescribed twice daily to minimize side effects.

Take this medication with full glass of water to minimize side effects

Taking this medication after a meal would reduce side effects

What are the things you should tell your doctor before getting the prescription?

1. High blood pressure
2. Heart disease
3. Bipolar disease
4. Liver and Kidney failure
5. Myasthenia gravis
6. Hyperthyroidism

It is very important to tell your doctor whether you have hypertension as this medication is known to increase blood pressure.

High blood pressure is a common side effect

How Venlift OD works

Venlift increases serotonin and noradrenaline neurotransmission in the brain counteracting changes that are occurring in depression and other conditions. Compared to SSRI medications, this medication increase both noradrenaline and serotonin levels at higher doses. Which explains its higher efficacy.

What are the common side effects of Venlift OD?

This medication can cause nausea, and sometimes vomiting. In addition, it can cause heart burn and gastric irritation. It can also cause significant sexual dysfunction including lack of desire and erectile dysfunction in men.

At the initial part of the therapy you would experience increase of anxiety symptoms including dry mouth, increased heart rate, sweating and mild tremors. But they will usually goes off as time pass. In addition, you may experience sleep problems with this medication and some will experience poor sleep. In such patients it is advised to take this medication at morning.

Sleep problems are common side effect

Common side effects

1. Nausea
2. Gastric irritation
3. Headache
4. Sexual dysfunction
5. High blood pressure
6. Sleep problems
7. Dry mouth
8. Sweating
9. Increased anxiety

Sexual side effects can be annoying - But successful treatment of depression would improve sexual function

What are the more serious side effects associated with Venlift OD

This medication can cause manic shift in patients with bipolar disorder. It is characterized by increased energy, increased wellbeing and increased activity followed by more disinhibited behavior which is out of character.

In addition, certain group of people would develop serious complication called serotonin syndrome. It is characterized by high fever, sweating, course tremors and confusion. It usually occurs when you were changed from one medication to another or in case of rapid increase in dose.

List of serious side effects associated with Venlift OD

1. Serotonin syndrome
2. Bipolar mania
3. Increased bleeding
4. Increased gastric ulceration
5. Dangerous increase in blood pressure (Usually in over dose)

This medication can become toxic in overdose and therefore doctors prescribe Venlift carefully to patients with high suicidal risk.

Summary

Venlift OD is a SNRI class medication. Its generic name is Venlafaxine. It is prescribed for major depression and anxiety disorders. Its main side effects are nausea, gastric irritation, increased blood pressure, sexual dysfunction and sleep problems.

Serdep uses and side effects

Serdep is a brand of prescription only, SSRI class Anti-depressant manufactured by Cipla pharmaceuticals, India. Its generic name is Sertraline. It is prescribed for major depression, and anxiety disorders such as panic disorder. Most common side effects reported by patients are nausea, gastric irritation, and reduced desire for sex. However, this medication is one of the safest antidepressants for patients with heart disease.

Serdep tablets

Uses of Serdep

This medication is primarily used for depressive disorder. It is effective in both moderate and severe depressive disorder. Depressive episodes are characterized by prolonged period of low mood, inability to feel pleasure and having low energy to do day to day tasks. Depression is usually diagnosed when above symptoms are present for more than two weeks.

In addition, this medication is prescribed for anxiety disorders such as panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. It is also prescribed for Post-traumatic stress disorder.

Panic disorder is characterized by sudden out of the blue attacks of anxiety. It can occur without any precipitant cause. Usually you are diagnosed as having panic disorder when you have more than 4 attacks per month. These anxiety attacks are characterized by having increased heart rate, palpable heart rate, fear of dying, sweating, fear of going mad and chest pain.

OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder is characterized by repetitive, senseless, own thoughts or actions that are not pleasurable. e.g. repeated hand washing to remove "germs". 

This medication is commonly prescribed in depression

How Serdep is taken

It is usually available as tablet form and is available as 50mg and 100mg tablets. Doses can go up to maximum of 200mg per day. Doctors usually start at the dose of 50mg and then gradually increase the dose.

To minimize side effects, one should take this medication with full glass of water and should be taken without crushing the tablets. When it is taken after a meal, side effects are minimal.

This medication should be taken with a Glass of Water

Side effects

What are the common side effects ?

Most common side effect is nausea and heartburn. In addition, this can cause headache and sleep disturbances. Another annoying side effect is sexual dysfunction. However, conditions that are prescribed this medication also cause sexual dysfunction (depression cause lack of desire for sex). Since this medication treats depression, it can improve sexual function in certain people with depression.

In addition, patients with anxiety disorders may notice that their anxiety becomes aggravated at the start of treatment. However, it usually wanes after one to two weeks. Usually some doctors prescribe benzodiazepine medication such as Lonazep to cover the initial period of increased anxiety. 

Summary of common side effects

1. Nausea
2. Heartburn
3. Initial increased anxiety
4. Sexual dysfunction
5. Headache
6. Weight loss and appetite loss
7. Sleep difficulties

If you have following problems then you should mention them to your doctor before getting the prescription

1. Bipolar disorder
2. Stomach ulcers
3. Previous history of serious adverse effects to anti-depressants
4. Bleeding disorders
5. Liver and kidney problems
6. Heart problems

             People with bipolar disorder have chance of getting a manic episode with this medication. Therefore, when you are giving a history to the doctor, it is better you mentioned whether you had previous episodes of increased energy or increased well being that is out of character for you.

In addition, your doctor would get a full medical history from you. You need to tell him the medications you are on including street drugs and recreational substances.

What are the serious side effects of Serdep?

Serdep can cause increased serotonin neurotransmission in the brain. It can result in serious adverse effect called serotonin syndrome. It can become life threatening in certain people. Common symptoms that can be used to diagnose this syndrome is fever, tremors, muscle rigidity, confusion and excessive sweating.

This medication can also cause interference of platelet function leading to increased risk of bleeding. 

However, it is a rare side effect.

Another side effect worth mentioning is increased suicidal risk in teenagers. Therefore, it is risky to prescribe this medication for teenagers.

Summary of possible life threatening side effects?

1. Serotonin syndrome
2. Stomach bleeding
3. Bleeding problems
4. Causing mania in patients with bipolar disorder.
5. Increased suicidal risk in teenagers

Summary

Serdep is a SSRI class medication. It is prescribed for major depression and anxiety disorders. Even though it is safest SSRI in heart disease, it can cause serious side effects. Common side effects are nausea and heart burn.  

Veniz XR uses and side effects

Veniz XR is a brand of Venlafaxine extended release preparation manufactured by Sun pharmaceuticals, India. Venlafaxine is an SNRI (Selective serotonin and Noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor) medication prescribed for depression, anxiety disorders, and nerve pain.

Uses of Veniz XR

This medication is primarily prescribed for depressive disorder. According to recent clinical trials it is found marginally more effective than Fluoxetine (Prodep™ / Prozac™). Therefore, it is commonly prescribed for resistant depression.

Veniz XR 75mg tablets

Depression is characterized by persistent low mood, inability to work due to lack of energy and inability to experience pleasure. In addition, patients with depression is at risk of committing suicide.

In addition, this medication is prescribed for Anxiety disorders such as social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder.

Artists depiction of Clinical Depression

Social phobia is characterized by persistent fear of negative evaluation of self by others and severe anxiety in social situations. e.g parties.

Panic disorder is characterized by sudden out of the blue anxiety attacks which results in fear of dying, breathlessness and chest/ muscle pain.

Panic attack

Generalised anxiety disorder is characterized by persistent anxiety and worries that impair functioning.

This medication also prescribed for nerve pain. Nerve pain is caused by damage or destruction of a pheripheral nerve. Common example would be phantom limb pain in amputees. In addition, this medication is also effective in nerve pain associated with Herpes Zoster (Shingles) infection.

Dosage and use of this medication

This medication is available as extended release capsules. Extended release preparations usually taken less frequently than their normal release preparations. E.g. Veniz XR is usually taken once daily and Veniz normal preparation taken twice daily. Usually dose range is around 37.5mg to 375mg daily. To prevent side effects take this medication with meals. Do not remove capsule or do not take the medication when the capsule is broken. Take this medication with a full glass of water.

Veniz 75mg capsules

If you experience side effects (Mentioned below), tell your doctor and do not stop this medication on your own (Unless in a medical emergency).

Tell your doctor if you have following conditions, before getting prescription

1.       Any heart disease

2.       High blood pressure

3.       High cholesterol

4.       Any liver disease

5.       Any kidney disease

6.       Bipolar disorder

7.       Bleeding problems

8.       Eye problems (Poor vision, glaucoma)

Increased blood pressure is a common side effect - Pic Wikimedia

Side effects of Veniz XR

Most commons side effects are nausea, gastritis, and dizziness. These side effects can be minimized by taking according to the above paragraph.

Take with full glass of water to minimize side effects - Pic - Deviant art

This medication can cause initial increase in anxiety when prescribed. But it is usually short lasting and wanes off after some time.

Another significant side effect is sexual dysfunction. It is manifested as both reduced sex drive and erectile dysfunction. Since depression and other psychiatry problems can also cause sexual dysfunction overall outcome would be the balance of both.

It can increase blood pressure in some people, therefore you need to tell your doctor if you are having high blood pressure or heart problems. In addition, this medication is known to cause heart beat irregularities, especially at higher doses.

In addition, Veniz XR is known to cause following side effects.

1.       Constipation

2.       Yawning

3.       Dry mouth

4.       Headache

5.       Reduced sleep

6.       Abnormal dreams

7.       Sexual problems

8.       Excessive Sweating

9.       Mania

10.   Agitation

11.   Incoordination

Summary

Veniz XR is an extended release medication in SNRI category and its generic name is Venlafaxine. It is prescribed for major depression, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and social phobia. Main side effects are gastric disturbances and problematic side effects are increased blood pressure and sexual dysfunction.