PaxilŽ is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
(SSRI) used to treat depression, panic attacks,
obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), social anxiety
disorder (SAD) and generalized anxiety disorder.
This medication works by helping to restore the
balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain.
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PaxilŽ
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.
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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