Paxil Usage

Paxil (Paroxetine) is used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), social anxiety disorder (social phobia), and generalized anxiety disorder. Paxil works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain.

How To Take Paxil

Take Paxil (Paroxetine) by mouth usually once daily in the morning, with or without food; or as directed by your doctor. The Paxil dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. It is important to continue taking Paxil as prescribed even if you feel well. Also, do not stop taking Paxil without consulting your doctor. It may take up to several weeks before the full benefit of Paxil takes effect.

Paxil Side Effects

Nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, constipation, or dry mouth may occur. If any of these Paxil side effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: loss of appetite, unusual or severe mental/mood changes, increased sweating/flushing, unusual fatigue, uncontrolled movements (tremor), decreased interest in sex. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: blurred vision, changes in sexual ability, painful and/or prolonged erection, change in amount of urine. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: fainting, irregular heartbeat, muscle pain, trouble swallowing, unusual swelling, seizures, easy bruising or bleeding, tingling or numbness of the hands/feet. An allergic reaction to Paxil is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions for Paxil

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney problems, seizures, heart problems, other mental/mood disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder), thyroid problems, any allergies. Paxil may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. Caution is advised when using Paxil in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. Paxil should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Paxil passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using Paxil is not recommended. Consult your doctor if pregnant or breast-feeding.

Paxil Interactions

Certain medications taken with this product could result in serious, even fatal, drug interactions. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks, and avoid taking thioridazine within 5 weeks, before or after treatment with Paxil. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information. Paxil is not recommended for use with: weight loss drugs (e.g., sibutramine, phentermine), thioridazine, terfenadine, astemizole. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: other SSRI antidepressants (e.g., citalopram, fluoxetine), nefazodone, trazodone, tramadol, venlafaxine, "triptan" migraine drugs (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline), cimetidine, digoxin, flecainide, propafenone, clozapine, lithium, tryptophan, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), theophylline, herbal/natural products (e.g., melatonin, ayahuasca, St John's wort). Tell your doctor if you take any drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti- anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Report other drugs which affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation), such as: dofetilide, pimozide, sotalol, quinidine, procainamide, sparfloxacin, "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Notes

The information contained on this website is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of Paxil is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using Paxil.

Paxil Missed Dosage

If you miss a Paxil dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Paxil Storage

Store Paxil at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.