PAXIL DRUG INFO
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your regular 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. Depression is a
serious condition and finding the appropriate medication is critical.
Consult your healthcare professional before ordering this drug.
PAROXETINE - ORAL (pair-OX-eh-teen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Paxil
PAROXETINE USAGE: Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you.
Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended
by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get
the best results from the medication. Try to take the medicine at the same time each day.
Avoid crushing, chewing, or breaking open a controlled-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole.
It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
Shake the liquid form of paroxetine well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with
a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
It may take 4 weeks or more for you to start feeling better. The changes may be so subtle that only people around you may notice. Don't be afraid to ask those
you know well if they are observing changes in your mood. Do not stop using paroxetine
without first talking to your doctor. You may have unpleasant, withdrawl type side effects if you stop
taking this medication suddenly. Store paroxetine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
OTHER USES: Paxil has
also been used to treat a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual
dysphoric disorder- PMDD), sexual function problems in males (premature
ejaculation), nerve problems associated with diabetes (diabetic
neuropathy), chronic headaches, or post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD.
(PTSD).
HOW TO USE: Take Paxil
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.
IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT PAXIL: You may have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior
at the start of treatment with an antidepressant medication, especially if you are a child or
young adult. Talk with your doctor about this risk. While you are taking Paxil you will
need to be monitored for worsening symptoms of depression and/ or suicidal thoughts during
the first weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed. In addition to you watching
for changes in your own symptoms, your family or other caregivers should be alert to changes
in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least
the first 12 weeks of treatment. Contact your doctor promptly if you have any of the following
side effects, especially if they are new symptoms or if they progressively worsen: mood changes, anxiety,
panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, agitation, aggressiveness, severe restlessness,
mania (mental and/ or physical hyperactivity), thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.
Do not use this medication if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use
an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Do not take paroxetine together with pimozide (Orap), thioridazine (Mellaril), or a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline
(Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). You must wait at least 14 days after stopping
an MAOI before you can take Paxil. You must wait 5 weeks after stopping paroxetine
before you can take thioridazine (Mellaril).
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 Paroxetine 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,
call your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include: irregular heartbeat or palpitations, 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 of Paxil,
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.
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