Drug Title

Paroxetine

Drug Uses
 
Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is used to treat depression and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. In some cases it is also prescribed for the treatment of panic disorder or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

How it is taken

Paroxetine must be taken by mouth with or after a meal to avoid an upset stomach. Swallow the pill while without crushing, chewing or breaking it.

Take it for the entire duration of treatment preferably at the same time everyday. Do not stop taking Paroxetine without consulting your doctor. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that restores the balance of a chemical called serotonin in the brain and helps improve the mood.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Paroxetin then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Do NOT use Paroxetine if:

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

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

Some medical conditions may interact with Paroxetine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

•     if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
•     if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
•     if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
•     if you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic-depression), other mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse
•     if you have a history of seizures, heart problems, liver problems, severe kidney problems, stomach or bowel bleeding, narrow-angle glaucoma, diabetes, or metabolism problems
•     if you are dehydrated, have low blood sodium levels, or drink alcohol
•     if you will be having electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Some medicines may interact with Paroxetine. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

•     Anorexiants (eg, phentermine), cimetidine, fenfluramine derivatives (eg, dexfenfluramine), linezolid, lithium, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), metoclopramide, nefazodone, selegiline, serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonists (eg, sumatriptan), sibutramine, SNRIs (eg, venlafaxine), another SSRI (eg, fluoxetine), St. John's wort, tramadol, trazodone, or tryptophan because severe side effects, such as a reaction that may include fever, rigid muscles, blood pressure changes, mental changes, confusion, irritability, agitation, delirium, or coma, may occur
•     Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because the risk of bleeding, including stomach bleeding, may be increased
•     Diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because the risk of low blood sodium levels may be increased
•     Antiarrhythmics (eg, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine), H1 antagonists (eg, astemizole, terfenadine), or phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine, thioridazine) because severe heart problems, including irregular heartbeat, may occur
•     Cyproheptadine, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), phenobarbital, or phenytoin because they may decrease Paroxetine's effectiveness
•     Aripiprazole, atomoxetine, clozapine, fluoxetine, pimozide, procyclidine, risperidone, theophylline, or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Paroxetine
•     Digoxin or tamoxifen because their effectiveness may be decreased by Paroxetine.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Paroxetine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Important safety information:

•     Paroxetine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Paroxetine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possible unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
•     Do not drink alcohol while you are taking 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. Closely watch all patients who take Paroxetine. 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 (eg, 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 (eg, "triptans," MAOIs). Symptoms may include agitation; confusion; hallucinations; coma; fever; fast or irregular heartbeat; tremor; excessive sweating; and nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.
•     Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Paroxetine. Your risk may be greater if Paroxetine is used with certain other medicines called antipsychotics (eg, aripiprazole, risperidone). Symptoms may be similar to serotonin syndrome and may include fever, rigid muscles, blood pressure changes, and mental changes. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.
•     Use Paroxetine with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially low blood sodium levels.
•     Caution is advised when using Paroxetine in children; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions.
•     Paroxetine may cause weight changes. Children and teenagers may need regular weight and growth checks while they take Paroxetine.
•     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

Some of the common side effects of are 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. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include 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.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.