Drug Name

Paxil (Paroxetine)

Drug Uses

Paxil is used for treating depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It may be used to treat panic disorder or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It may also be used to treat generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Paxil as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Paxil comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Paxil refilled.
Take Paxil by mouth with or without food.
Swallow Paxil whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
Continue to take Paxil even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Do not suddenly stop taking Paxil without checking with your doctor. Side effects may occur. They may include mental or mood changes, numbness or tingling of the skin, dizziness, confusion, headache, trouble sleeping, or unusual tiredness. You will be closely monitored when you start Paxil and whenever a change in dose is made.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Paxil is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by restoring the balance of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain, which helps to improve certain mood problems.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Paxil , take it as soon as possible. If it almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature between 20-25 degrees C (68-77 degrees F).

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Paxil if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Paxil
• you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine), selegiline, or St. John's wort within the last 14 days
• you are taking a fenfluramine derivative (eg, dexfenfluramine), nefazodone, pimozide, a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) (eg, venlafaxine), sibutramine, thioridazine, or tryptophan

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Paxil . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic-depression), other mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse
• if you have a history of seizures, heart problems, liver problems, severe kidney problems, stomach or bowel bleeding, narrow-angle glaucoma, diabetes, or metabolism problems
• if you are dehydrated, have low blood sodium levels, or drink alcohol
• if you will be having electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Paxil . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Anorexiants (eg, phentermine), cimetidine, fenfluramine derivatives (eg, dexfenfluramine), linezolid, lithium, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), metoclopramide, nefazodone, selegiline, serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonists (eg, sumatriptan), sibutramine, SNRIs (eg, venlafaxine), St. John's wort, tramadol, trazodone, or tryptophan because severe side effects, such as a reaction that may include fever, rigid muscles, blood pressure changes, mental changes, confusion, irritability, agitation, delirium, and coma, may occur
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because the risk of bleeding, including stomach bleeding, may be increased
• Diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because the risk of low blood sodium levels may be increased
• Antiarrhythmics (eg, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine), H1 antagonists (eg, astemizole, terfenadine), or phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine, thioridazine) because severe heart problems, including irregular heartbeat, may occur
• Cyproheptadine, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), phenobarbital, or phenytoin because they may decrease Paxil 's effectiveness
• Aripiprazole, atomoxetine, clozapine, fluoxetine, pimozide, procyclidine, risperidone, theophylline, or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Paxil
• Digoxin or tamoxifen because their effectiveness may be decreased by Paxil

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Anxiety; blurred vision; constipation; decreased sexual desire or ability; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; gas; increased sweating; increased urination; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; stomach upset; trouble concentrating; trouble sleeping; unusual skin sensations; weakness; yawning.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bizarre behavior; black or bloody stools; chest pain; exaggerated reflexes; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; loss of coordination; new or worsening agitation, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, restlessness, or inability to sit still; persistent or severe ringing in the ears; persistent, painful erection; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent anxiety or trouble sleeping; significant weight loss; stomach pain; suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or severe mental or mood changes; vision changes; worsening of depression.

More Information

If you have any questions about Paxil , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Paxil is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.