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Generic Name: paroxetine (pa ROCK sah teen)
Brand Names:
Paxil, Paxil CR |
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What is the most important information I should know about
paroxetine? |
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Do not stop taking paroxetine without first talking to your doctor. It may
take 4 weeks or more for you to start feeling better and unpleasant side effects
may be experienced if you stop taking paroxetine
suddenly. |
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Paroxetine is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors. Paroxetine affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced
and cause depression, panic or anxiety, or obsessive or compulsive
symptoms. |
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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). |
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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? |
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Do not take paroxetine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
(MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine
(Parnate) during the last 2 weeks. Serious, and sometimes fatal, reactions have
occurred when these medicines have been used together. Also, do not take
paroxetine if you are taking thioridazine (Mellaril). Dangerous, even fatal
irregular heartbeats may occur if these medicines are taken together. You must
wait 5 weeks after stopping paroxetine before taking thioridazine
(Mellaril). |
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Before taking paroxetine, tell your doctor if you
have |
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seizures or epilepsy, or |
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a manic disorder or suicidal thoughts. |
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You may not be able to take paroxetine, or you may need a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed
above. |
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Paroxetine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not
known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take paroxetine
without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become
pregnant during treatment. |
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Paroxetine passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not
take paroxetine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby. |
How should I take paroxetine? |
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Take paroxetine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand
these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to
you. |
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Take each dose with water. |
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Swallow the controlled-release tablets (Paxil CR) whole, without crushing or
chewing. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the
body. |
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Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get
the correct dose, measure the suspension with a dose-measuring cup or spoon, not
with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your
pharmacist for one. |
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Paroxetine may be taken with or without food. |
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Try to take paroxetine at the same time each day. |
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Do not stop taking paroxetine without first talking to your doctor. It may
take 4 weeks or more for you to start feeling better and unpleasant side effects
may be experienced if you stop taking paroxetine
suddenly. |
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Store paroxetine at room temperature away from moisture and
heat. |
What happens if I miss a dose? |
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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 a double dose of this medication unless
otherwise directed by your doctor. |
What happens if I overdose? |
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Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is
suspected. |
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Symptoms of a paroxetine overdose include nausea, vomiting, tremor,
seizures, agitation, drowsiness, hyperactivity, and enlarged
pupils. |
What should I avoid while taking paroxetine? |
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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Paroxetine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience
dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. |
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Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness or dizziness while
taking paroxetine. |
What are the possible side effects of
paroxetine? |
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If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking
paroxetine and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical
treatment: |
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling
of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); |
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an irregular heartbeat or pulse; |
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low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness); |
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high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred
vision); |
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unusual bleeding or bruising; or |
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Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take
paroxetine and talk to your doctor if you experience |
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tremor, nervousness, or anxiety; |
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nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite or
weight; |
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sleepiness or insomnia; or |
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decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an
orgasm. |
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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? |
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Do not take paroxetine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
(MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine
(Parnate) during the last 2 weeks. Serious, and sometimes fatal, reactions have
occurred when these medicines have been used together. Also, do not take
paroxetine if you are taking thioridazine (Mellaril). Dangerous, even fatal
irregular heartbeats may occur if these medicines are taken together. You must
wait 5 weeks after stopping paroxetine before taking thioridazine
(Mellaril). |
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Before taking paroxetine, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the
following medicines: |
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a benzodiazepine such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax),
chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), temazepam (Restoril),
triazolam (Halcion), and others; |
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a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine
(Tofranil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and
others; |
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a phenothiazine such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin),
mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine),
and others; |
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almotriptan (Axert), frovatriptan (Frova), sumatriptan (Imitrex),
naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), or zolmitriptan
(Zomig); |
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carbamazepine (Tegretol) or phenytoin (Dilantin); |
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lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others); |
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theophylline (Theobid, Theolair, Theochron, Elixophyllin, and
others); |
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cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB). |
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You may not be able to take paroxetine, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the
medicines listed above. |
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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with paroxetine. Talk
to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal
products. |
Where can I get more information? |
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Your pharmacist has additional information about paroxetine written for
health professionals that you may
read. | |
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