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 the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
PAROXETINE - ORAL (pair-OX-eh-teen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Paxil
USES: Paroxetine is used to treat
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 natural chemicals in the brain.
OTHER USES: This medication 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: Take this medication
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
this medication as prescribed even if you feel well. Also, do not
stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. It may
take up to several weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes
effect.
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.
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. This drug 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 this product 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. This drug passes into breast milk.
Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while
using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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, and avoid taking thioridazine within 5 weeks, before
or after treatment with this medication. Consult your doctor or
pharmacist for additional information. This drug 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.
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.
NOTES: Do not share this medication
with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to
monitor your progress.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose,
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.
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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