Paxil (Paroxetine)

What is Paxil?

Paxil (paroxetine hydrochloride) is an antidepressant. It belongs to a class of drugs known as SSRIs or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors.

What is Paxil used for?

Paxil is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorders, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The medicine also helps improve certain mood problems.

How does Paxil work?

Paxil works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters such as serotonin) in the brain.

How to use Paxil

Paxil should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken once daily. It can be taken with or without food. Paxil, if taken with food, may decrease nausea. Do not break, crush or chew the tablet. Swallow it. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

If you are taking the liquid form of the medicine, shake it well before measuring a dose. Do not use a regular table spoon to measure the liquid. Measure it with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup.

Paxil warnings and precautions

Do not use Paxil if you have taken thioridazine (Mellaril), pimozide (Orap) or monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), isocarboxazid (Marplan), selegiline (Emsam, Eldepryl), or rasagiline (Azilect) in the past 2 weeks.

Prior to taking Paxil, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, bleeding or blood clotting disorder, bipolar disorder (manic depression), epilepsy, or a history of suicidal thoughts or drug abuse. Avoid drinking alcohol while using Paxil.

Pregnant women must not use this drug as the SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressants present in the drug may cause life-threatening problems in babies. Lactating women must consult their doctors before taking this medicine.

What do I do if I have missed a Paxil dose?

If you have missed your Paxil dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Paxil overdose?

If you have taken a Paxil overdose you should seek medical attention.

Paxil interactions

Before taking Paxil, consult your doctor if you are taking a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin), cimetidine (Tagamet), linezolid (Zyvox), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), ritonavir (Norvir), tamoxifen (Soltamox, Nolvadex), St. John’s wort, theophylline (Theo-24, Elixophyllin, Uniphyl), tryptophan (also known as L-tryptophan), tramadol (Ultram), almotriptan (Axert), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex), frovatriptan (Frova), naratriptan (Amerge), or zolmitriptan (Zomig); medicines for the treatment of psychiatric disorders such as fluphenazine (Permitil, Prolixin), chlorpromazine (Thorazine), haloperidol (Haldol), lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), or perphenazine (Trilafon); or heart medication such as disopyramide (Norpace), digoxin (Lanoxin, Digitalis), flecaininde (Tambocor), morizicine (Ethmozine), mexiletine (Mexitil), propafenone, (Rythmol), quinidine (Quinidex, QuinaGlute, Quin-Release), procainamide (Procanbid,  Procan, Pronestyl), or risperidone (Risperdal); any antidepressant such as c

Paxil side effects

Paxil side effects include hives or skin rash, panic attacks, anxiety, mood or behaviour changes, aggressiveness, irritability, agitation, restlessness, depression, sleeping or breathing trouble; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat and other allergic reactions.

Seizure, high fever, stiff muscles, tremors, nausea, diarrhea, sweating, vomiting, nausea, uneven heartbeats, loss of appetite, overactive reflexes, loss of coordination, headache, confusion, memory problems, concentration troubles, weakness, fainting, confusion, bruising, bleeding, hallucinations, and shallow breathing are also side effects from Paxil. If you get any of these side effects after using Paxil, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor.

Mild nausea, dizziness, weight changes, nervousness, drowsiness, constipation, insomnia, dry mouth, impotence, decreased sex drive or difficulties having an orgasm are some less serious side effects of Paxil.