Brand Name: Paxil
Generic Name: Paroxetine
This medication is not meant for treatment without a specialist's intervention.
Common Uses
Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. Paroxetine is used for treating depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder. It may be used to treat panic disorder or posttraumatic stress disorder. It may also be used to treat generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
How to Take
Use Paroxetine as directed by your doctor. Children: initial 10 mg/day and adjusted upward on an individual basis to 20 mg a day. Adults: initial 20 mg once daily, preferably in the morning; increase if needed by 10 mg a day increments at intervals of at least 1 week; maximum dose: 50 mg a day. Take in the morning to reduce the incidence of insomnia (may be taken with or without food). Do not crush, break, or chew Paroxetine tablets.
Warning and Precautions
Take exactly as directed; do not increase dose or frequency or discontinue without consulting prescriber. It may take 2-3 weeks to achieve desired results. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and other prescription or OTC medications not approved by prescriber. You may experience drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness (use caution when driving or engaging in tasks requiring alertness until response to drug is known); nausea, vomiting, anorexia, or dry mouth (small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, chewing gum, or sucking lozenges may help); or orthostatic hypotension (use caution when climbing stairs or changing position from lying or sitting to standing). Report persistent insomnia or excessive daytime sedation; muscle cramping, tremors, weakness, or change in gait; chest pain, palpitations, or rapid heartbeat; vision changes or eye pain; respiratory difficulty or breathlessness; abdominal pain or blood in stool; change in affect or thought processes, unusual agitation, or abnormal dreams; worsening of condition; or suicidal ideation. Pregnancy/breast-feeding precautions: Inform a prescriber if you are or intend to become pregnant. Consult a prescriber if breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you have remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek medical attention if you think you have taken too much of this medication. Symptoms of a Paroxetine overdose may include nausea, vomiting, tremor, sweating, decreased urination, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, confusion, aggression, seizures, and coma.
Storage
Store Paroxetine at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store it away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store the medication in the bathroom. Keep Paroxetine out of the reach of children and away from pets.
Possible Side Effects
Get medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: skin rash or hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Contact your doctor promptly if you have any of the following side effects, especially if they are new symptoms or if they get worse: mood changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, agitation, aggressiveness, severe restlessness, mania (mental and/or physical hyperactivity), thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.
More Information
The information given above is a summary. Your doctor can provide more information about Paroxetine. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medication for other health conditions. Do not store Paroxetine with an end term of its storage.
