Paxil
This page contains drug information on Paxil.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Paxil
the possible side effects of Paxil
what happens if you miss a dose of Paxil
what happens if you overdose with Paxil
the most important information about Paxil
how to use Paxil
other drugs that may affect Paxil
what to avoid while using Paxil
Generic Name: paroxetine (pa ROX a teen)
Brand Names: Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva.
What is the most important information I should know about paroxetine? - You may have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior at the start of treatment with an antidepressant medication, especially if you are 18 years of age or younger. Talk with your doctor about this risk. While you are taking paroxetine you will need to be monitored for worsening symptoms of depression and/ or suicidal thoughts during the first weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed. In addition to you watching for changes in your own symptoms, your family or other caregivers should be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.
- Contact your doctor if you have any of the following side effects, especially if they are new symptoms or if they get worse: mood changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, agitation, aggressiveness, severe restlessness, mania (mental and/ or physical hyperactivity), or thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.
- Do not stop taking the medication without first talking to your doctor. It may take 4 weeks or more for you to start feeling better and you may have unpleasant side effects if you stop taking paroxetine suddenly.
What is paroxetine? - Paroxetine is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Paroxetine affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression, panic, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
- Paroxetine is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
- Paroxetine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking paroxetine? - Before taking paroxetine, tell your doctor if you also take pimozide (Orap) or thioridazine (Mellaril). Tell your doctor if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegeline (Eldepryl), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during the last 14 days. Serious and sometimes fatal reactions have occurred when these medicines were taken at the same time and they must not be used together with paroxetine.
- Before taking paroxetine, tell your doctor if you have:
- liver disease,
- glaucoma,
- kidney disease,
- seizures or epilepsy,
- bipolar disorder (manic depression),
- or suicidal thoughts.
- If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may not be able to take paroxetine, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
- Paroxetine is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that using the medication while you are pregnant could cause harm to the unborn baby. Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.
- Paroxetine passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take paroxetine without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take paroxetine? - Take paroxetine exactly as directed by your doctor. It may take 4 weeks or more for you to start feeling better and you may have unpleasant side effects if you stop taking paroxetine suddenly. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from the medication. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with water. You may take paroxetine with or without food.
- Swallow the controlled-release tablet (Paxil CR) whole, without crushing or chewing. This tablet is specially made to release the medication slowly into your body.
- Shake the liquid form of paroxetine well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
- Try to take paroxetine at the same time each day.
- You may have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior at the start of treatment with an antidepressant medication, especially if you are 18 years of age or younger. Talk with your doctor about this risk. While you are taking paroxetine you will need to be monitored for worsening symptoms of depression and/ or suicidal thoughts during the first weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed. In addition to you watching for changes in your own symptoms, your family or other caregivers should be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.
- Contact your doctor if you have any of the following side effects, especially if they are new symptoms or if they get worse: mood changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, agitation, aggressiveness, severe restlessness, mania (mental and/ or physical hyperactivity), thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.
- Store paroxetine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose? - Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose? - Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have taken too much of this medication.
- Symptoms of a paroxetine overdose include sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, tremor, rapid or weak heartbeat, agitation, sweating, decreased urination, drowsiness, hyperactivity, muscle stiffness or weakness, enlarged pupils, confusion, hallucinations, lightheadedness, fainting, seizures, and coma.
What should I avoid while taking paroxetine? - Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Paroxetine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you are dizzy or drowsy from the medication, avoid these activities.
- Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness or dizziness while taking paroxetine.
What are the possible side effects of paroxetine?
If you have any of the following serious side effects, stop taking paroxetine and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- an irregular heartbeat or pulse;
- low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness);
- high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision);
- unusual bleeding or bruising; or
- fever or chills.
Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take paroxetine and talk to your doctor if you experience
- headache;
- sleepiness or insomnia;
- weakness;
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
- decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm;
- dry mouth;
- tremor, nervousness, anxiety trouble concentrating; or
- changes in appetite or weight.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect paroxetine?
Do not take paroxetine together with pimozide (Orap), thioridazine (Mellaril), or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegeline (Eldepryl), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). You must wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAOI before you can take paroxetine. You must wait 5 weeks after stopping paroxetine before you can take thioridazine (Mellaril).
Before taking paroxetine, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following medicines:
- tryptophan;
- warfarin (Coumadin);
- digoxin (Lanoxin); or
- lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others);
- theophylline (Theobid, Theolair, Theochron, Elixophyllin, and others);
- other SSRIs such as fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), sertraline (Zoloft), and others;
- a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others;
- aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), diclofenac (Voltaren), ketoprofen (Oruvail), and others;
- a phenothiazine such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), and others;
- almotriptan (Axert), frovatriptan (Frova), sumatriptan (Imitrex), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), or zolmitriptan (Zomig);
- heart rhythm medication such as flecainide (Tambocor), propafenone (Rhythmol), and others; or
- cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB).
If you are using any of the medicines listed above, you may not be able to take paroxetine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with paroxetine. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using paroxetine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
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