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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