Paxil/Paroxetine

Paxil information

Paxil is most commonly prescribed for the treatment of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), and post-traumatic stress (PTSD). It may also be prescribed for other purposes.

Paxil - Side Effects

Serious side effects that should make you seek immediate emergency help are: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, lip, tongue or face-swelling, or hives); irregular heartbeat or pulse; low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness); high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision); unusual bleeding or bruising; or fever or chills. Milder and less uncommon side effects include: headache; tremor, nervousness, or anxiety; nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite or weight. If you experience one or more of these effects, continue taking Paxil and consult your doctor. Other side effects may also appear. Consult a doctor if you experience any side effect that persists, seems unusual or is bothersome.

Paxil - Warnings

Before taking Paxil, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, seizures or epilepsy, or a manic disorder or suicidal thoughts. It is not known whether Paxil is safe for a patient's unborn baby. Paxil passes into breast milk and may cause risks to the patient's nursing baby. If your are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to breast-feed, consult a doctor before taking Paxil.

Paxil - Proper Storage

Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Paxil - Proper Usage

Take Paxil exactly as directed by your doctor. Paxil may be taken with or without food. Controlled-release tablets (Paxil CR) should be taken with water and swallowed whole, without crushing or chewing. Try to take Paxil at the same time each day. Do not quit using Paxil without consulting a doctor first. It may take as much as four weeks before Paxil comes into effect and quitting suddenly may cause unpleasant side effects.

Paxil - Missed Dosge

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next one as directed. Avoid taking a double dose unless specifically directed to do so by your doctor.

Paxil - Drug Interactions

Drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI), which include isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate), cause serious and dangerous reactions when used along with Paxil. Avoid using MAOIs if you are using Paxil or have used Paxil within the last two weeks, and vice versa. In addition, do not use Paxil if you are using thioridazine (Mellaril). The combination may cause dangerous and even fatal irregular heartbeats. You must wait 5 weeks after stopping Paxil before taking thioridazine (Mellaril).