PAXIL DRUG INFO
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.
PAROXETINE - ORAL (pair-OX-eh-teen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Paxil
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.
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