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
Paxil
is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your
healthcare professional before using
Paxil.
PAROXETINE - ORAL (pair-OX-eh-teen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Paxil
PAXIL
USES:
Paxil
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 FOR
PAXIL:
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
PAXIL: 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.
PAXIL
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.
PAXIL
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
Paxil
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.
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.
PAXIL
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Certain medications taken with
Paxil
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.
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.
PAXIL
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.
PAXIL
NOTES: Do not share
this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests
may be performed to monitor your progress.
PAXIL
MISSED DOSE: If you
miss a dose of
Paxil,
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.
PAXIL
STORAGE: Store at room
temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees
C) away from light and moisture. |