Paroxetine+clonazepam
About
Paroxetine+clonazepam belongs to a group of medicines called ‘antidepressants’. It is used in the treatment of depression. Depression is a common mood disorder, which negatively affects a person's daily life described as feelings of sadness, loss, or anger. Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include: feeling sad, thoughts of death or suicide, loss of interest, weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting, trouble sleeping, loss of energy, feeling worthless or guilty and difficulty thinking.
Paroxetine+clonazepam is a combination of two drugs: clonazepam and paroxetine. Clonazepam increases levels of a calming chemical, gamma-amino-butyric-acid (GABA), in your brain. Paroxetine increases the serotonin hormone levels that improve mood, behaviour and prevent symptoms of depression.
You are advised to take Paroxetine+clonazepam for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical condition and response to the treatment. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, memory impairment, uncoordinated body movements, drowsiness, low sexual desire and delayed ejaculation. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Paroxetine+clonazepam for as long as your doctor has prescribed. Do not take Paroxetine+clonazepam if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless prescribed by the doctor. Paroxetine+clonazepam causes drowsiness, sleepiness, do not drive unless you are alert. Paroxetine+clonazepam should not be given to children and adolescents aged 18 years for treating depression. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Paroxetine+clonazepam as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side-effects.
Uses of Paroxetine+clonazepam
Medicinal Benefits
Paroxetine+clonazepam is a combination of two drugs: clonazepam and paroxetine. Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine, which works by increasing levels of a calming chemical, gamma-amino-butyric-acid (GABA), in your brain. Paroxetine is an antidepressant that increases the serotonin hormone levels that improve mood, behaviour, and prevent symptoms of depression.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Paroxetine+clonazepam
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Memory impairment
- Uncoordinated body movements
- Drowsiness
- Low sexual desire and delayed ejaculation
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Paroxetine+clonazepam if you are allergic to Paroxetine+clonazepam or any other ingredients in it. Tell your doctor if you are taking antidepressants, antipsychotic medication, antihypertensives, or pain medication. Talk to your doctor if you have a history of seizures, bipolar disorder, suicide attempts, or schizophrenia. Patients with liver diseases, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease and bleeding disorders should use Paroxetine+clonazepam with caution. Please do not stop the treatment abruptly as it can cause withdrawal reactions. Paroxetine+clonazepam is not recommended to use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age as it increases suicidal tendencies in this population. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience suicidal thoughts such as killing or harming yourself while on this medication. Do not take Paroxetine+clonazepam if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless prescribed. Paroxetine+clonazepam causes drowsiness and dizziness, do not drive unless you are alert. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Paroxetine+clonazepam as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Paroxetine+clonazepam may have interaction with pain killers (tramadol, aspirin, acetaminophen/hydrocodone, and pethidine), narcotic pain relievers(morphine, codeine), blood thinners (warfarin), cholesterol medications (pravastatin), fits medication (phenobarbital, phenytoin, sodium valproate or carbamazepine), anti-depression medication (aripiprazole, escitalopram), blood pressure medications (metoprolol) and medications to treat heartburn, stomach problems (Cimetidine).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consuming alcohol along with Paroxetine+clonazepam as it may increase the sedative effects, and one can also experience impairment in thinking and judgment.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Paroxetine+clonazepam may have interactions with disease conditions such as heart problems, acute alcohol intoxication, epilepsy, glaucoma, renal/liver disease, respiratory depression and drug dependency.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Paroxetine+clonazepam as it may cause an increased sedative effect.
Pregnancy
unsafeParoxetine+clonazepam may cause toxic effects to the fetus. So, it is not recommended for use in women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Breast Feeding
cautionParoxetine+clonazepam should be used with caution in breastfeeding mothers. Your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding while taking this medication.
Driving
cautionDo not drive or operate heavy machinery as Paroxetine+clonazepam may cause drowsiness.
Liver
cautionParoxetine+clonazepam should be used with caution in patients with severe liver impairment. Dose adjustments may be required in such cases.
Kidney
cautionParoxetine+clonazepam should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems. Dose adjustments may be required in such cases. If you have any concerns regarding the use of Paroxetine+clonazepam in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
cautionParoxetine+clonazepam should not be used in children unless prescribed by a child specialist.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a healthy and well-balanced diet.
- Do not take stress as it may aggravate your condition.
- Limit alcohol intake and quit smoking.
- Engage in social activities frequently as it may improve self-esteem and confidence.
- Limit caffeine intake.
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly helps in improving overall health and boosts self-esteem.
- Regularly attend therapy sessions.
- Perform meditation and yoga. This helps in relieving stress and provides relaxation.
- Follow a regular sleep pattern to improve the amount and quality of sleep you get.
- Include foods rich in omega fatty acids such as fish, nuts, fresh fruits, vegetables and olive oils.
- Neurotransmitters are made up of amino acids. Amino acid-rich foods such as meat, dairy products, and certain fruits and vegetables help in proper maintenance of neurotransmitters.
- Complex carbohydrates help in stimulating serotonin (a feel-good neurotransmitter). These include whole grains, legumes, spinach, broccoli, oranges and pears.
- Exercising helps in the production of the body’s natural antidepressants. It also helps in relieving stress, improving mood, boosts self-esteem, and provides restful sleep.
- Learn about your condition, understand the risk factors and follow the doctor’s treatment plan.
Special Advise
- Paroxetine+clonazepam causes drowsiness. Avoid doing activities that require your complete focus and attention like driving when on this drug.
- Abrupt stoppage of Paroxetine+clonazepam can lead to significant withdrawal symptoms. Always discuss with your doctor about decreasing the dosage before completely stopping its usage.
- Avoid consuming alcohol while on this medication as it can lead to dangerous side effects.
- Paroxetine+clonazepam is unsafe for usage if you're pregnant or are planning to get pregnant. Discuss with your doctor in such situations about changing/replacing the medicine with safer alternatives.
- To avoid getting addicted to this drug take it only in prescribed quantities and only as directed by your doctor. Do not self-medicate.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Depression: It is a mood disorder characterised by the feeling of sadness, unhappiness, anger, hopelessness or loss that interferes with a person’s daily activities. Depression can also influence some chronic health conditions and relationships. The exact cause of depression is unknown, but it may be associated with mental problems, trauma, family history, drugs use, and medical conditions.
FAQs
Paroxetine+clonazepam causes sleepiness, drowsiness, and dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience these symptoms after taking Paroxetine+clonazepam.
Paroxetine+clonazepam causes weight gain due to increased appetite. Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight.
Do not discontinue Paroxetine+clonazepam without consulting your doctor as it could lead to recurring symptoms. To treat your condition effectually continue taking Paroxetine+clonazepam for as long as prescribed. Moreover, stopping this medicine suddenly may result in withdrawal symptoms. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you feel any difficulty while taking Paroxetine+clonazepam.
Paroxetine+clonazepam may cause decreased sex-drive, problems with erection and orgasm. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Paroxetine+clonazepam. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly, and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might stimulate saliva and prevent drying of the mouth.
Some patients experienced increased suicidal thoughts or actions in the first few months of the treatment with Paroxetine+clonazepam. Report to your doctor immediately if you notice any changes in your behaviour or mood while on this medication.