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.
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