IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information 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 the
medication is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using
Paroxetine.
PAROXETINE - ORAL (pair-OX-eh-teen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Paxil
What is Paroxetine
Paroxetine is
a prescription medication used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive
disorders (OCD), social anxiety disorder (social phobia), and
generalized anxiety disorder. Paroxetine works by helping to restore the
balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain.
Other
Paroxetine Uses
Paroxetine has
also been used to treat a severe form of premenstrual syndrome
(premenstrual dysphoric disorder- PMDD), sexual function problems in
men (premature ejaculation), nerve problems associated with diabetes
(diabetic neuropathy), chronic headaches, or post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD).
How to Take Paroxetine
Take Paroxetine
by mouth usually once daily in the morning, with or without food; or
as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical
condition and response to therapy. It is important to continue taking
Paroxetine as prescribed even if you feel well. Also, do not stop taking
Paroxetine without consulting your doctor. It may take up to several weeks
before the full benefit of Paroxetine takes effect.
Paroxetine
Side Effects
Nausea,
drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, constipation, or
dry mouth may occur. If any of these 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 Paroxetine 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.
Paroxetine
Precautions
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. Paroxetine 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 this product in the elderly
because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medication.
Paroxetine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Paroxetine passes into
breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant,
breast-feeding while using Paroxetine is not recommended. Consult your
doctor before breast-feeding.
Paroxetine
Medication Interactions
Certain
medications taken with this product could result in serious, even
fatal, medication 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
Paroxetine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information.
Paroxetine is not recommended for use with: weight loss medications (e.g., sibutramine, phentermine), thioridazine, terfenadine, astemizole. Ask
your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Tell your doctor of all
and non medication you may use, especially:
other SSRI antidepressants (e.g., citalopram, fluoxetine), nefazodone,
trazodone, tramadol, venlafaxine, "triptan" migraine medications
(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
medications that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep,
sedatives, tranquilizers, anti- anxiety medications (e.g., diazepam),
narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g.,
phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), anti-seizure medications
(e.g., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, certain antihistamines (e.g.,
diphenhydramine). Report other medications 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.
Paroxetine
Overdose
If
overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or
emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include:
irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness or lightheadedness.
Paroxetine
Notes
Do not share Paroxetine with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be
performed to monitor your progress.
Paroxetine
Missed Dose
If you
miss a 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.
Paroxetine
Storage
Store Paroxetine at
room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C)
away from light and moisture.
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