Case Study 3- 1.2

Question 1

Can paracetamol be used as pain relief for osteoarthritis?

Answer 1

No, will not provide full relief

Question 2

What can be given instead of paracetamol to relieve osteoarthritic pain?

Answer 2

Ibuprofen taken 3 times a day rather than when required NI

Question 3

A patient has been prescribed by a general doctor TCAD and SSRI. is this appropriate? What should be done?

Answer 3

1. Antidepressants should not be given in combination unless done by a specialist
2. This is because this can increase the risk of the patient developing serotonin syndrome which can include symptoms of:
   - Agitation
   - shivering
   - seizures
   - fever
3. I would advice the general doctor to remove the TCAD and increase the dose of SSRI if it no longer helps the patient