USES:
Paroxetine is used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive
disorders (OCD), social anxiety disorder (social phobia), and generalized
anxiety disorder. Paxil works by helping to restore the balance of certain
natural chemicals in the brain.
OTHER USES:
Paxil 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 Paxil 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 Paxil
as prescribed even if you feel well. Also, do not stop taking Paxil without
consulting your doctor. It may take up to several weeks before the full
benefit of Paxil 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 Paxil 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. Paxil 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. Paxil should be used only when clearly needed
during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Paxil
passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding
while using Paxil 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 Paxil. Consult your doctor or pharmacist
for additional information. Paxil 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 Paxil 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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