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Antidepressants > Paxil
Paxil
 Paxil®
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.
Uses
Paxil is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors (SSRI). Paxil is used to treat depression, panic disorder,
obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety
disorder (social phobia), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This
medicine is used to treat depression and panic disorders with or without the
fear of being in open or public places.
How to Take
How much Paxil you take and how often you take it depends on many
factors, including the condition being treated, your age, and weight. If you
have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are
taking, talk with your health care provider. Carefully read the patient
leaflet provided with this medicine and reread it each time you get this
prescription refilled. Take this medicine exactly as directed by your health
care provider. This medicine may be taken without regard to food. Swallow
tablets whole. Do not crush or chew them. Symptoms usually improve within 1
to 4 weeks. Continue taking this medicine even though you feel better. This
medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Use caution
while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination,
or physical dexterity. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.
This medicine may cause sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to
the sun and other ultraviolet light. Use sunscreens and wear protective
clothing until tolerance can be determined. Do not take this medicine if you
are currently taking or have taken an MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days.
If you are uncertain whether your other medications contain an MAO
inhibitor, check with your health care provider. Do not stop taking this
medicine without checking with your doctor. Stopping this medicine suddenly
may cause certain side effects, such as dizziness, nausea, sweating,
agitation; abnormal skin sensations, and abnormal dreams. Do not take more
medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health
care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription
medicines without talking with your doctor. This includes any herbal
preparations or dietary supplements.
Side Effects
Every medicine can cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor,
side effects. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following occurs:
Severe- Depression: Allergic reaction (rash; hives; difficulty breathing;
tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue);
increased heartbeat; breathing problems. Panic disorder: Allergic reaction
(rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the
mouth, face, lips, or tongue);increased heartbeat; breathing problems.
Common- Depression: Nausea; abnormal ejaculation; blurred vision;
constipation; decreased sex drive; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; tremor;
female genital disorders; sweating; yawning; decreased appetite; dry mouth;
impotence; infection(fever, chills, sore throat); headache; weakness;
stomach pain; back pain; pain; gas; changes in appetite; indigestion;
vomiting; sleeplessness; muscle tightness or stiffness; abnormal skin
sensations; runny nose; increased cough; sensitivity to sunlight; urinary
tract infection; menstrual disorder; vaginal infection. Panic disorder:
Nausea; abnormal ejaculation; drowsiness; impotence; decreased sex drive;
sweating; female genital disorders; weakness; stomach pain; dry mouth;
diarrhea; constipation; decreased appetite; muscle aches; sleeplessness;
nervousness; drowsiness; tremor; anxiety; agitation; muscle tightness or
stiffness; muscle contractions; sinus inflammation; yawning; sweating;
blurred vision; impotence; female genital disorder; frequent urination;
inability to urinate. Other- Depression: Flushing; depression; confusion;
bronchitis; abnormal dreams; anxiety; joint pain; painful menstruation;
indigestion; muscle pain; nervousness; sore throat; rash; respiratory
disorder; sinus inflammation; frequent urination; weight gain. Panic
disorder: Headache; weight loss; vaginal infection; abnormal dreams; back
pain; bronchitis; chest pain; impaired concentration; confusion; increased
cough; depression; dizziness; painful menstruation; indigestion; fever; gas;
increased appetite; infection (fever, chills, sore throat); menstrual
disorder; migraine; pain; abnormal skin sensations; sore throat; respiratory
disorder; runny nose; changes in taste; abnormal thinking; urinary tract
infection; vomiting.
Precautions
Before using Paxil, tell your health care provider about any of the
following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or
breastfeeding; if you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription
medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; if you have a history
of seizures or mania; if you have thoughts of suicide; if you have severe
liver or kidney problems; if you have a history of substance or alcohol
abuse; if you have a history of narrow-angle glaucoma; if you have any other
medical condition.
Drug Interactions
Do not take this Paxil if you are allergic to any ingredient in this
medicine; you are currently taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO)
inhibitor within the last 14 days; you are currently taking thioridazine.
Notes
If you have any questions about Paxil, please talk with your doctor,
pharmacist, or health care provider.
Missed Dose
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have
passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to
catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed,
contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Storage
Store Paxil at or below 77 degrees F.
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