Drug Name

Paroxetine

Drug Uses

Paroxetine is used for treating depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It may be used to treat panic disorder or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 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 use

Use Paroxetine as directed by your doctor.

• Take Paroxetine by mouth after meals to decrease stomach upset.
• Swallow Paroxetine whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
• Taking Paroxetine at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
• Continue to take Paroxetine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• Do not suddenly stop taking Paroxetine without checking with your doctor. Side effects may occur. They may include mental or mood changes, numbness or tingling of the skin, dizziness, confusion, headache, trouble sleeping, or unusual tiredness. You will be closely monitored when you start Paroxetine and whenever a change in dose is made.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Paroxetine.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by restoring the balance of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain, which helps to improve certain mood problems.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Paroxetine and are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Paroxetine between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Paroxetine out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Paroxetine if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Paroxetine;
• you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (e.g., phenelzine), selegiline, or St. John's wort within the last 14 days;
• you are taking a fenfluramine derivative (e.g., dexfenfluramine), nefazodone, pimozide, a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) (e.g., venlafaxine), sibutramine, thioridazine, or tryptophan.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important:

• Do not drink alcohol while you are using Paroxetine.
• Check with your doctor before you use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Paroxetine ; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Several weeks may pass before your symptoms improve. Do not take more than the recommended dose, change your dose, or use Paroxetine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
• Children, teenagers, and young adults who take Paroxetine may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Watch all patients who take Paroxetine closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.
• If your doctor tells you to stop taking Paroxetine , you will need to wait for several weeks before beginning to take certain other medicines (e.g., MAOIs, nefazodone). Ask your doctor when you should start to take your new medicines after you have stopped taking Paroxetine.
• Paroxetine may rarely cause a prolonged, painful erection. This could happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems such as impotence. Contact your doctor right away if this happens.
• Serotonin syndrome is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Paroxetine . Your risk may be greater if you take Paroxetine with certain other medicines (e.g., "triptans," MAOIs).
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Paroxetine may cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Paroxetine while you are pregnant. Paroxetine is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Paroxetine, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• anxiety; blurred vision; constipation; decreased sexual desire or ability; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; gas; increased sweating; increased urination; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; stomach upset; trouble concentrating; trouble sleeping; unusual skin sensations; weakness; yawning.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bizarre behavior; black or bloody stools; chest pain; exaggerated reflexes; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; loss of coordination; new or worsening agitation, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, restlessness, or inability to sit still; persistent or severe ringing in the ears; persistent, painful erection; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent anxiety or trouble sleeping; significant weight loss; stomach pain; suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or severe mental or mood changes; vision changes; worsening of depression.

More Information

If you have any questions about Paroxetine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Paroxetine is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.