Paxil Antidepressant Medication

Paxil (Paroxetine) is an antidepressant medication 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. Paxil CR is a controlled (timed) release form of Paxil.

Uses of Paxil

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. 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)

Paxil Directions

Take Paxil by mouth usually once daily in the morning, with or without food; or as directed by your doctor. The dosage of Paxil 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 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.

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 Paxil. 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.

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 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 wart). 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.

Missed Dose of Paxil

If you miss a dose of Paxil, take 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 of Paxil to catch up.

Paxil Overdose

If overdose of Paxil is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness or lightheadedness.