Indication of Paxam:
Adjunctive treatment for epilepsy refractive to other antiepileptic drugs, in particular absence and myoclonic seizures, and infantile spasmsAcute treatment of status epilepticus
Action of Paxam:
Benzodiazepines potentiate the inhibitory effects of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA throughout the CNS, resulting in anxiolytic, sedative hypnotic, muscle relaxant and antiepileptic effects
Dose Advice of Paxam:
Epilepsy: Adult: initially oral 0.5-1mg at bedtime for 4 days, increase gradually over 2-4 weeks to 2-8mg daily in divided dosesChild: initially oral 0.01-0.03mg/kg in divided doses, increase gradually up to 0.1-0.2mg/kg dailyStatus epilepticus: Adult: 1mg by slow IV injection, repeated if necessaryInfant, child: 500mcg by slow IV injection
Schedule of Paxam:
S4
Common side effects of Paxam:
DrowsinessOver-sedationLight-headednessMemory lossAtaxiaSlurred speech
Uncommon side effects of Paxam:
HeadacheVertigoHypotensionDisorientationConfusionParadoxical excitationEuphoriaAggression and hostilityAnxietyDecreased libido Anterograde amnesiaPain and thrombophlebitis with IV injectionRespiratory arrest with IV use
