This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Paroxetine Consumer Information
PAROXETINE
Generic Name: paroxetine (pa ROCK sah teen)
Brand Names: Paxil, Paxil CR
What is the most important information I should know about paroxetine?
- Do not stop taking paroxetine without first talking to your doctor. It may take 4 weeks or more for you to start feeling better and unpleasant side effects may be experienced if you stop taking paroxetine suddenly.
What is paroxetine?
- Paroxetine is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Paroxetine affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression, panic or anxiety, or obsessive or compulsive symptoms.
- Paroxetine is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
- Paroxetine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking 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 have
- liver disease,
- kidney disease,
- seizures or epilepsy, or
- a manic disorder or suicidal thoughts.
- You may not be able to take paroxetine, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Paroxetine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take paroxetine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- Paroxetine passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take paroxetine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take paroxetine?
- Take paroxetine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with water.
- Swallow the controlled-release tablets (Paxil CR) whole, without crushing or chewing. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body.
- Shake the suspension well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get the correct dose, measure the suspension with a dose-measuring cup or spoon, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
- Paroxetine may be taken with or without food.
- Try to take paroxetine at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking paroxetine without first talking to your doctor. It may take 4 weeks or more for you to start feeling better and unpleasant side effects may be experienced if you stop taking paroxetine suddenly.
- Store paroxetine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
- Symptoms of a paroxetine overdose include nausea, vomiting, tremor, seizures, agitation, drowsiness, hyperactivity, and enlarged pupils.
What should I avoid while taking paroxetine?
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Paroxetine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
- Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness or dizziness while taking paroxetine.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.