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Paroxetine
Brand
Name: Paxil
Most
Common Medical Uses
Paroxetine
is most commonly used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive
disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety
disorder (social phobia), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Paroxetine may also be used for purposes other than those listed
here.
How
to Take This Medication
Take
paroxetine exactly as directed by your doctor. 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. 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.
Possible
Side Effects
Stop
taking paroxetine and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency
medical treatment if you experience any of the following: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. 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.
Precautions
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. Do not take paroxetine without first talking to your doctor
if you are pregnant, could become pregnant during treatment or breast-feeding
a baby.
Drug
Interactions
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).
Many prescription as well as over the counter medication can have
serious adverse affects if taken with paroxetine. 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 herbal products.
Missed
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.
Storage
Store
at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all
medications out of the reach of children.
Notes
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. Do not share this medication with others.
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