Why are antianxiety medications used cautiously in older adults?

Choice A rationale
Paroxetine (Paxil) is an SSRI used for the treatment of panic disorder. It can be taken with or without food. Taking it at bedtime can help manage some side effects like nausea and drowsiness.
Choice B rationale
Combining herbal medication with paroxetine is not recommended without consulting a healthcare provider. Some herbal supplements can interact with paroxetine and cause serious conditions like serotonin syndrome.
Choice C rationale
Weight changes are a possible side effect of paroxetine. Therefore, monitoring for weight changes while taking this medication is important.
Choice D rationale
It’s important to note that it can take several weeks before the patient feels like the medication is helping. This is a normal part of the process and patients should be encouraged to continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if they don’t feel immediate relief.

Choice A rationale
Taking less than the recommended dose initially may not provide the desired therapeutic effect and could lead to misunderstanding about the effectiveness of the herbal product.
Choice B rationale
While it’s true that some herbal products should not be taken with prescription medications due to potential interactions, this is not the best way to identify allergic or other adverse reactions.
Choice C rationale

While checking with a reputable pharmacist is always a good idea when starting any new medication or supplement, it is not the best way to identify allergic or other adverse reactions.
Choice D rationale
Using only one herbal preparation at a time is the best way to identify allergic or other adverse reactions. If multiple herbal products are started at the same time and an adverse reaction occurs, it would be difficult to determine which product caused the reaction.