Brisdelle (Paroxetine)

Indications

Brisdelle is a prescription medication indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe hot flashes associated with menopause in women. It contains as active ingredient called paroxetine. Paroxetine is an antidepressant drug that belongs to the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Brisdelle works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain associated with mood, in the brain. It blocks the reabsorption of serotonin, thereby increasing the amount of serotonin available for the brain to use.

Uses and Dosage

Brisdelle is an oral tablet that can be taken with or without food, as directed by your doctor, usually once daily at bedtime. Take the medication regularly at the same time each day to obtain maximum benefit. Continue taking this medication even if you feel well, and do not stop taking it without consulting with your doctor, as some conditions may worsen when the drug is suddenly stopped.

The typical dosage for Brisdelle is 7.5 mg (1 tablet) taken orally, once per day at bedtime, with or without food. Continue taking this medication regularly and at the same time each day to achieve maximum benefits. Do not stop taking or adjust the dosage of Brisdelle without consulting with your healthcare provider, as some conditions may become worse if the drug is suddenly discontinued.

Side effect

Common Side Effects of Brisdelle (Paroxetine):

• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Trouble sleeping
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Yawning

Serious Side Effects of Brisdelle (Paroxetine):

• Black stools
• Confusion
• Decreased interest in sex
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty breathing
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Eye pain
• Fast heartbeat
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Hallucinations
• Hives
• Inability to keep still
• Loss of coordination
• Mood changes
• Muscle weakness or spasm
• Numbness or tingling
• Painful or prolonged erection last 4 hours or long
• Restlessness
• Seeing halos around lights
• Seizures
• Severe dizziness
• Shakiness
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Swelling or redness of the eye
• Twitching muscles
• Unusual agitation
• Vision changes
• Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Widened pupils

Form and Strength

Brisdelle (Paroxetine) is available in the following forms and strength:

Paroxetine: Tablet

• 7.5 mg

Caution

• Paroxetine is an SSRI and can potentially cause serotonin syndrome, which is a life-threatening condition. Discontinue paroxetine and initiate supportive treatment if this occurs.
• The efficacy of tamoxifen may be reduced when administered concomitantly with paroxetine.
• Concomitant use of paroxetine and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, or other drugs that affect coagulation may increase the risk of abnormal bleeding. Caution patients about this risk.
• Paroxetine can cause hyponatremia in association with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH).
• There may be an association between SSRI treatment, including paroxetine, and fractures based on epidemiological studies.
• Paroxetine may activate mania or hypomania, particularly in patients with bipolar disorder. Screen for bipolar disorder and monitor for mania/hypomania.
• Use cautiously in patients with a history of seizures or with conditions that potentially lower the seizure threshold.
• Paroxetine can cause akathisia, particularly in the first few weeks of treatment.
• Angle-closure glaucoma has occurred in patients with untreated anatomically narrow angles treated with antidepressants, including paroxetine.
• Paroxetine may cause impairment, and patients should not operate machinery or motor vehicles until certain that it does not affect them adversely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can paroxetine cause withdrawal symptoms?

Yes, paroxetine can cause withdrawal symptoms if it is stopped abruptly. Gradually reduce the dose of paroxetine under the supervision of your doctor to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Can paroxetine be taken during pregnancy?

Paroxetine is generally not recommended during pregnancy as it may cause harm to the developing fetus. However, there are some situations where the benefits of taking paroxetine during pregnancy may outweigh the risks. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking paroxetine?

Do not drink alcohol while taking paroxetine as it may increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness.

How should paroxetine be taken?

Paroxetine should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is usually taken once a day, with or without food. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet as this can affect the way the medication is absorbed by the body.

Can paroxetine be addictive?

Paroxetine is not considered to be addictive, but it may cause dependence if it is taken for a prolonged period. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if the medication is stopped abruptly, gradually reduce the dose under the supervision of your doctor.

Resources

• https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/204516s004lbl.pdf
• https://www.drugs.com/brisdelle.html
• https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-164821/brisdelle-oral/details
• https://www.goodrx.com/brisdelle/what-is
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/brisdelle
• https://www.center4research.org/brisdelle-paxil-hot-flashes-not-great-idea/
• https://www.rxlist.com/brisdelle-drug.htm