Why is Paxil prescribed?

Paxil (Paxil) is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, panic attacks, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Paxil controlled-release (Paxil CR) is used to treat depression and panic attacks. Paxil is in a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain.

How should Paxil be used?

Paxil comes as a tablet, suspension, and controlled-release (long-acting) tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once daily in the morning and may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Paroxetine hydrochloride exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Shake the suspension well before using.

Swallow the controlled-release tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. Continue to take Paxil even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Paroxetine hydrochloride without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor will probably want to decrease your dose gradually. Paroxetine hydrochloride must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking Paxil,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Paroxetine hydrochloride or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking or have taken within the last 2 weeks, especially anticoagulants [warfarin (Coumadin)]; antidepressants; antihistamines; cimetidine (Tagamet); digoxin (Lanoxin); levodopa (Sinemet, Larodopa); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate)]; medication for high blood pressure, seizures, Parkinson's disease, asthma, colds, or allergies; muscle relaxants; phenobarbital; procyclidine (Kemadrin); sedatives; sleeping pills; sumatriptan (Imitrex); theophylline (Theo-Dur); thioridazine (Mellaril); thyroid medications; tranquilizers; tryptophan; and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma; an enlarged prostate; difficulty urinating; seizures; an overactive thyroid gland; or liver, kidney, or heart disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Paxil, call your doctor immediately.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Paroxetine hydrochloride.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by Paroxetine hydrochloride.
• tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of Paroxetine hydrochloride.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Paxil may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you take Paxil once a day in the morning, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. If you take Paroxetine hydrochloride once a day at bedtime and do not remember to take it until the next morning, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can Paxil cause?

Side effects from paxil are common, and include:

• upset stomach
• drowsiness
• weakness or tiredness
• excitement or anxiety
• insomnia
• nightmares
• dry mouth
• changes in appetite or weight

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• constipation
• difficulty urinating
• frequent urination
• blurred vision
• changes in sex drive or ability
• excessive sweating

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
• slow or difficult speech
• shuffling walk
• persistent fine tremor or inability to sit still
• fever, chills, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• severe skin rash
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• irregular heartbeat

What storage conditions are needed for Paxil?

Keep Paroxetine hydrochloride in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to Paxil. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription