GENERIC NAME:

paroxetine

BRAND NAME:

Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva

How should you take Paxil?

Paxil is taken once a day, with or without food, usually in the morning. Inform your doctor if you are taking or plan to take any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, since they may interact unfavorably with Paxil. Shake the oral suspension well before using. Paxil CR should be swallowed whole; it should not be chewed or crushed.

Skip the forgotten dose and go back to your regular schedule with the next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you missed.

Paxil tablets and suspension can be stored at room temperature.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, yawning, 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, changes in sexual ability. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: black stools, blurred vision, change in amount of urine, "coffee ground" vomit, easy bruising/bleeding. 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, tingling or numbness of the hands/feet. Paroxetine may infrequently cause suicidal thoughts or self-harm urges in children or teenagers up to 18 years of age. Tell the doctor immediately should this occur (see Uses section). Males: In the very unlikely event you have a painful, prolonged erection, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention or permanent problems could occur. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:

Certain medications taken with this product 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 before or after treatment with this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information. This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious (possibly fatal) interactions may occur: astemizole, terfenadine, thioridazine, weight loss drugs (e.g., sibutramine, phentermine). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: antiarrhythmics (e.g., propafenone, flecainide), cimetidine, clozapine, digoxin, herbal/natural products (e.g., melatonin, ayahuasca, St John's wort), lithium, nefazodone, procyclidine, other drugs which can cause bleeding/bruising (e.g., thrombolytic drugs such as TPA, anticoagulants such as heparin or warfarin, antiplatelet drugs including NSAIDs such as ibuprofen), other SSRI antidepressants (e.g., citalopram, fluoxetine), theophylline, tramadol, trazodone, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline), "triptan" migraine drugs (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), tryptophan, venlafaxine. Low-dose aspirin (usually 81-325 mg per day) for heart attack or stroke prevention should be continued unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Aspirin is similar to NSAID drugs, and can increase the risk of bleeding in combination with this medication (see above). Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Tell your doctor if you take any drugs that cause drowsiness such as: anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep, muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), sedatives, tranquilizers. Other drugs besides paroxetine which may affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation in the EKG) include dofetilide, pimozide, quinidine, sotalol, procainamide, and sparfloxacin among others. QTc prolongation can infrequently result in serious (rarely fatal) irregular heartbeats. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Ask for instructions about whether you need to stop any other QTc-prolonging drugs you may be using in order to minimize the risk of this effect. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

STORAGE:

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

What should I avoid while taking Paxil?

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of Paxil. Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by Paxil. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines, or any other antidepressant. Paxil can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.