Paroxetine (By Mouth)

Paroxetine (pa-ROX-e-teen)

Treats depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. This medicine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Brand Name(s):

Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to paroxetine, or if you are also using thioridazine (Mellaril®) or have taken an MAO inhibitor (Marplan®, Eldepryl®, Parnate®, or Nardil®) within the past 2 weeks.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may take this medicine with or without food. This medicine is usually taken in the morning.
• Shake the oral liquid well just before using. Measure the liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a blood thinner (Coumadin®), Tagamet®, tryptophan, sumatriptan (Imitrex®), theophylline (Theo-Dur®), any other medicine for depression (such as amitriptyline, Prozac®), medicine for heart rhythm problems (such as Quinaglute®, Quinidex®, Rythmol®, Tambocor®), diuretics ("water pills" such as furosemide), or phenothiazines (such as Phenergan®, Thorazine®).
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, epilepsy, or a history of mania or bipolar disorder.
• You may need to take this medicine for up to 4 weeks before you feel better. Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time. If you feel that the medicine is not working well, do not take more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Confusion, muscle weakness
• Extreme weakness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Loss of appetite
• Mild weakness
• Nausea, dry mouth, constipation
• Problems with sex
• Sweating
• Tremors (shakiness)
• Trouble sleeping

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.