Why is Paxil prescribed?

Paroxetine (Paxil) is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, panic attacks, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Paroxetine (Paxil) controlled-release (Paxil CR) is used to treat depression and panic attacks. Paroxetine (Paxil) is in a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Paxil works by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain.

How should Paxil be used?

Paroxetine (Paxil) comes as a tablet, suspension, and controlled-release (long-acting) tablet to take by mouth. Paxil is usually taken once daily in the morning and may be taken with or without food. Follow the Paxil directions on your Paxil prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Paroxetine (Paxil) exactly as directed. Do not take more or less Paxil or take Paxil more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the Paxil suspension well before using.

Swallow the Paxil controlled-release tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.

Continue to take Paroxetine (Paxil) even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Paroxetine (Paxil) without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large Paxil doses for a long time. Your doctor will probably want to decrease your Paxil dose gradually. Paxil must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.

Other uses for Paxil

Paroxetine (Paxil) is also used occasionally to treat headaches, diabetic leg pain, and premature ejaculation. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using Paxil for your condition.

Paxil may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Paxil information.

What special Paxil precautions should I follow?

Before taking Paroxetine (Paxil),

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Paroxetine (Paxil) or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking or have taken within the last 2 weeks, especially anticoagulants [warfarin (Coumadin)]; antidepressants; antihistamines; cimetidine (Tagamet); digoxin (Lanoxin); levodopa (Sinemet, Larodopa); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate)]; medication for high blood pressure, seizures, Parkinsons disease, asthma, colds, or allergies; muscle relaxants; phenobarbital; procyclidine (Kemadrin); sedatives; sleeping pills; sumatriptan (Imitrex); theophylline (Theo-Dur); thioridazine (Mellaril); thyroid medications; tranquilizers; tryptophan; and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma; an enlarged prostate; difficulty urinating; seizures; an overactive thyroid gland; or liver, kidney, or heart disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Paroxetine (Paxil), call your doctor immediately.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Paroxetine (Paxil).
• you should know that Paxil may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how Paxil affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by Paxil.
• tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of Paxil.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Paroxetine (Paxil) may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

What should I do if I forget a Paxil dose?

If you take Paroxetine (Paxil) once a day in the morning, take the missed Paxil dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next Paxil dose, skip the missed Paxil dose and continue your regular Paxil dosing schedule. If you take Paroxetine (Paxil) once a day at bedtime and do not remember to take Paxil until the next morning, skip the missed Paxil dose. Do not take a double Paxil dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can Paxil cause?

Side effects from Paroxetine (Paxil) are common, and include:

• upset stomach
• drowsiness
• weakness or tiredness
• excitement or anxiety
• insomnia
• nightmares
• dry mouth
• changes in appetite or weight

Tell your doctor if any of these Paxil symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• constipation
• difficulty urinating
• frequent urination
• blurred vision
• changes in sex drive or ability
• excessive sweating

If you experience any of the following Paxil symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
• slow or difficult speech
• shuffling walk
• persistent fine tremor or inability to sit still
• fever, chills, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• severe skin rash
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• irregular heartbeat

What storage conditions are needed for Paxil?

Keep Paxil in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Paxil at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Paxil that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Paxil.

In case of Paxil emergency/overdose

In case of Paxil overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of Paxil overdose may include:

• drowsiness
• coma
• upset stomach
• tremor
• rapid pounding or irregular heartbeat
• confusion
• vomiting
• dizziness
• seizures
• fainting
• blurred vision
• yellowing of the skin and eyes
• seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating)
• difficulty urinating

What other Paxil information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to Paroxetine (Paxil).

Do not let anyone else take your Paxil. Ask your pharmacist any Paxil questions you have about refilling your Paxil prescription