Potential Adverse Reactions of Fetzima and Methods to Mitigate Them
Fetzima, a medication used to treat depression, carries several potential side effects and precautions that patients should be aware of. Here's a breakdown of the key points to consider before starting treatment with Fetzima.
If you experience mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, it's crucial to call your doctor right away. In case of severe symptoms or a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
When starting Fetzima, it's essential to have open discussions with your doctor, family, and friends about your mood. Throughout treatment, especially after any dosage changes, your doctor will monitor you for mood changes.
Withdrawal symptoms are possible with Fetzima, including headache, anxiety, insomnia, seizure, confusion, dizziness, and mood changes such as irritability or agitation. If your depression begins to worsen or you have thoughts of harming yourself, talk with your doctor as soon as possible.
In clinical trials, the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours was highest in children and adults ages 24 years and younger. This side effect may be more common at the start of treatment and after a dose increase.
Less common but potentially serious side effects of Fetzima that may require immediate medical attention include serotonin syndrome, urinary hesitation, and cardiovascular issues such as chest pain, hypertension, palpitations, and tachycardia. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome can include rapid heart rate, excessive saliva production, increased bowel sounds, dilated pupils, high body temperature, and sweating. Urinary hesitation, which is difficulty starting or maintaining urination, is also a recognized serious side effect.
If you become pregnant during treatment with Fetzima, talk with your doctor right away. Fetzima can cause common side effects such as nausea, heart palpitations, vomiting, fast heart rate, constipation, and mild allergic reactions. To manage constipation, dietary changes or over-the-counter medications like MiraLAX may be recommended.
Before starting treatment with Fetzima, be sure to tell your doctor about your medical history and any medications that you take. Fetzima has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours, and it's important to be aware of other precautions such as high blood pressure or heart problems, angle-closure glaucoma, bleeding conditions, urinary problems, seizure, low sodium levels, kidney problems, bipolar disorder, pregnancy or breastfeeding, and alcohol use.
For more information about laxatives for constipation and other aspects of Fetzima's side effects, please refer to additional resources. It's crucial to have open and honest conversations with your doctor to ensure the best possible treatment plan for your depression.
It's significant to note that Fetzima, despite its potential benefits for mental health, can also increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, especially in younger individuals. Furthermore, it's essential to discuss any history of physical health conditions, mental health issues, or medications currently being taken with a healthcare professional, as these can impact the safety and effectiveness of Fetzima treatment.
