Paxil
®
is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline.
Chemical Name
: Paroxetine HCL
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 drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Uses
Paroxetine is used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive
compulsive disorders (OCD), social anxiety disorder (social phobia),
and generalized anxiety disorder. This medication works by helping
to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain.
Other Uses
This medication 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 Use
Take this medication 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 this medication as prescribed even
if you feel well. Also, do not stop taking this medication without
consulting your doctor. It may take up to several weeks before the
full benefit of this drug takes effect.
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 this drug 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
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. This
drug 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 drug. This
medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes
into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding
while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding.
Drug 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
this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional
information. This drug 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.
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.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical
tests may be performed to monitor your progress.
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.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30
degrees C) away from light and moisture.
