Paxil

Paxil (Paroxetine) is an anti-depressant drug.

About

Generic name: Paroxetine hydrochloride Antidepressant Medication Paxil (Paroxetine) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or social anxiety disorder.

How to take

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.

Missed dose

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 extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Warnings and precautions

Do not use paroxetine if you are using pimozide (Orap), thioridazine (Mellaril), or an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam). Serious and sometimes fatal reactions can occur when these medicines are taken with paroxetine. You must wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAO inhibitor before you can take paroxetine. After you stop taking paroxetine, you must wait at least 14 days before you start taking an MAOI. Before taking paroxetine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have: *liver or kidney disease; *a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; *seizures or epilepsy; or *bipolar disorder (manic depression), or a history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts. If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. You may have thoughts about suicide while taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Tell your doctor if you have worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.

Side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe for you to continue taking this medication. During the first 4 to 6 weeks, you may find some side effects less troublesome (nausea and dizziness, for example) than others (dry mouth, drowsiness, and weakness). Side effects may include: Abnormal ejaculation, abnormal orgasm, constipation, decreased appetite, decreased sex drive, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, gas, impotence, male and female genital disorders, nausea, nervousness, sleeplessness, sweating, tremor, weakness, vertigo

Storage

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