Paxil

PAXIL DRUG INFORMATION

PAROXETINE - ORAL (pair-OX-eh-teen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Paxil

USES:

This medication is used in the treatment 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 chemicals in the brain.

OTHER USES:

This medication has also been used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD); sexual function problems in men such as, premature ejaculation; diabetic neuropathy, chronic headaches, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

HOW TO USE:

This medication is taken by mouth usually once daily in the morning, with or without food depending on personal preference; or as directed by your doctor. The dosage may vary and is dependant on your medical condition and response to therapy. It is important to continue taking this medication as prescribed even if you feel well. Never stop taking this medication without first obtain consent from your doctor. It can take up to several weeks before a patient feels the full benefit of this drug.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Some of the most common side effects include: nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, constipation, or dry mouth if any of these side effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor promptly. Contact your doctors immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: loss of appetite, unusual or severe mental or mood changes, increased sweating or flushing, unusual fatigue, uncontrolled movements (tremor), decreased interest in sexual activity. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: blurred vision, changes in sexual ability, painful and/or prolonged erection, and change in amount of urine. Contact your doctor immediately if any of these extremely rare 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 or feet. While an allergic reaction to this drug is very rare, seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms that indicate 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:

Inform your doctor of your entire medical history, especially if you have a history of: liver problems; kidney problems; seizures; heart problems; other mental or mood disorders such as, bipolar disorder; thyroid problems; or any allergies. Use caution while engaging in activities that require alertness such as driving or using machinery, because this drug may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Limit or avoid alcoholic beverages. Elderly patients should use caution when using this medication because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. Women who are pregnant should consult their doctor about all of the risks and benefits of this drug, and should be used only when clearly needed. Women who are nursing should consult their doctor before breast-feeding, because this drug passes into breast milk and can cause potential risk to the infant. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:

There are certain medications that when taken with this drug could result in serious, even fatal, drug interactions. It is vital to inform your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you are using, especially: other SSRI antidepressants such as, citalopram or fluoxetine; nefazodone; trazodone; tramadol; venlafaxine; migraine medications such as, sumatriptan and zolmitriptan; tricyclic antidepressants including, amitriptyline and nortriptyline; cimetidine; digoxin; flecainide; propafenone; clozapine; lithium; tryptophan; warfarin; theophylline; herbal or natural products including, melatonin, ayahuasca, or St John's wort. It is vital to avoid taking MAO inhibitors such as, 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. This drug is not recommended for use with: weight loss drugs such as, sibutramine or phentermine; thioridazine; terfenadine; astemizole. Consult your physician if you take any medications that cause drowsiness such as: sleep medications; sedatives; tranquilizers; anti- anxiety drugs such as, diazepam; narcotic pain relievers such as, codeine; psychiatric medicines including, phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, anti-seizure drugs including, carbamazepine, muscle relaxants; diphenhydramine. Tell your doctor about any drugs you are taking which affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation), such as: dofetilide, pimozide, sotalol, quinidine, procainamide, sparfloxacin, diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide. Never start or stop any medicine without first seeking the approval of your doctor or pharmacist.

OVERDOSE:

Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately, if you suspect an overdose. The symptoms of overdose include: irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness or lightheadedness.

NOTES:

Never share this medication with others. Tests may be performed to monitor your progress.

MISSED DOSE:

In the event that you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember before it is close to time to take your next dose, then simply skip it and resume taking as scheduled. It is important never to “double-up” on this medication.

STORAGE:

This medication should be stored at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F or 15 and 30 degrees C away from light and moisture. It is not recommended to store this medication in a bathroom.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This information is not intended to replace the knowledge and skills of a qualified healthcare provider. While the following can be a valuable resource, this drug may not be safe or effective for everyone. You should always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before taking any prescription medication.