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.
|
