Part Two of Paroxetine Information, Focusing on Side Effects, Discontinuation or Withdrawal Effects, and Additional Information

This second section of our medication database entry focuses on potential side effects, withdrawal or discontinuation effects, and additional information, while part one covers basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits.

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What are the possible side effects of paroxetine?

  • If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking paroxetine and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
    • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
    • an irregular heartbeat or pulse;
    • low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness);
    • high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision);
    • unusual bleeding or bruising; or
    • fever or chills.
  • Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take paroxetine and talk to your doctor if you experience
    • headache;
    • tremor, nervousness, or anxiety;
    • nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite or weight;
    • sleepiness or insomnia; or
    • decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.
  • Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect paroxetine?

  • Do not take paroxetine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during the last 2 weeks. Serious, and sometimes fatal, reactions have occurred when these medicines have been used together. Also, do not take paroxetine if you are taking thioridazine (Mellaril). Dangerous, even fatal irregular heartbeats may occur if these medicines are taken together. You must wait 5 weeks after stopping paroxetine before taking thioridazine (Mellaril).
  • Before taking paroxetine, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
    • a benzodiazepine such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), temazepam (Restoril), triazolam (Halcion), and others;
    • a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others;
    • a phenothiazine such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), and others;
    • almotriptan (Axert), frovatriptan (Frova), sumatriptan (Imitrex), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), or zolmitriptan (Zomig);
    • carbamazepine (Tegretol) or phenytoin (Dilantin);
    • lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others);
    • theophylline (Theobid, Theolair, Theochron, Elixophyllin, and others);
    • warfarin (Coumadin);
    • digoxin (Lanoxin); or
    • cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB).
  • You may not be able to take paroxetine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
  • Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with paroxetine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

  • Your pharmacist has additional information about paroxetine written for health professionals that you may read.
  • Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Limitations and the Source of Our Online Medication Information Database

Although we have made considerable efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, MedLibrary.org makes no guarantee to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This medication information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend any specific pharmacotherapy. This is an educational resource only -- intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of medically qualified healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. MedLibrary.org does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.

Full public license and copyright information is available separately from Cerner Multum, Inc.

Version: 11.01. Revision date: 9/18/03.

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