Paxil
Paroxetine
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Paxil
Paxil is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medicine. It causes balancing of serotonin in the brain, which is a natural substance in the brain and helps in restoration of normal mood.
Therapeutic Uses of Paxil
Paxil is used in the treatment of depression, OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder), generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Paxil can also be used in the treatment of other medical conditions that your doctor decides.
Direction of use of Paxil
Use Paxil as directed by your physician. Read the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions and follow them strictly. An extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide is available with Paxil. You should read it carefully and read it again each time you get your Paxil refilled.
- Paxil is to be taken by mouth with food or without food.
- You should not break, crush, or chew Paxil before swallowing and swallow it as a whole.
- Taking Paxil at the same time each day will help you to remember to take it.
Keep taking Paxil even if you feel well after taking it for few weeks and you should not stop it without consulting your doctor. Do not miss any doses. Side effects while using Paxil may occur. They are mental or mood changes, numbness or tingling of the skin, dizziness, confusion, headache, trouble sleeping, or unusual tiredness. You will be closely monitored by your doctor or other health care provider when you start Paxil and whenever a change in dose is made. Report any side effects to your doctor.
If You Miss a Dose of Paxil
If you miss a dose of Paxil you should take it as soon as you remember it. If it is time for the next dose you should skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses of Paxil to catch up with the missed dose.
How to Store Paxil
Paxil should be stored at room temperature between 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F). Store it in a dry cool place away from moisture and heat. Keep it out of reach of children.
More Information About Paxil
If you have any questions about Paxil, you should talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Paxil should be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed and not shared with others. If you do not get any improvement in your symptoms or if your symptoms become worse, consult with your doctor.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Paxil
You should not take Paxil if you have any of the following medical problems and seek immediate medical attention:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in making Paxil.
- If you are taking or you have taken a MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) like phenelzine, selegiline etc. or St. John's wort within the last 2 weeks.
- If you are taking any medicines like fenfluramine derivative (dexfenfluramine), nefazodone, pimozide, SNRI or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (venlafaxine), thioridazine, or tryptophan etc.
Some medical conditions may interact with Paxil and you should inform your doctor if you have any such medical condition. You should inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any such medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- If you are pregnant, planning to have a baby, or if you are breast feeding.
- If you have allergies to any medicine, food, or other substance.
- If you are taking any prescription, nonprescription medicine or over the counter medicine, herbal preparation or medicine, dietary supplement etc.
- If you are receiving ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) will be receiving electroconvulsive therapy.
- If you have dehydration, have low blood sodium levels, or drink alcohol.
- If you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder like manic-depressive illness, or other mental problem, mood problem, suicidal thoughts, suicidal attempts, alcohol abuse, substance abuse etc.
- If you have history of seizure, heart problems, liver problems, severe kidney problems, stomach or bowel bleeding, narrow angle (also known as closed angle) glaucoma, diabetes, metabolism problem etc.
Some medicines may interact with Paxil and you should inform your doctor if you are taking any such medicine. Tell your doctor if you are taking any such medicines which may interact with Paxil, especially any of the following:
- Anticoagulants (warfarin) or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, aspirin, diclofenac, indomethacin etc.) because the risk of side effects of these drugs like bleeding, (stomach bleeding or any GIT bleeding), may be increased.
- Antiarrhythmics (flecainide, quinidine), H1 antagonists or anti histaminics like astemizole, terfenadine etc. and phenothiazines (chlorpromazine, thioridazine) because severe side effects like severe heart problems, like irregular heartbeat, may occur.
- Diuretics or water pills like furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide, because the risk of low blood sodium levels due to these diuretics may be increased.
- Paxil may reduce the efficacy of drugs like digoxin and tamoxifen and these drugs should not be combined with Paxil.
- Aripiprazole, clozapine, pimozide, procyclidine, risperidone, theophylline, fluoxetine, atomoxetine or tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline etc. because the risk of side effects of these drugs may be increased by Paxil.
- Cyproheptadine, HIV protease inhibitors (anti HIV drugs used in the treatment of HIV/AIDS) like ritonavir; phenobarbital, or phenytoin (both anti epilepsy drugs) because they may decrease effectiveness of Paxil.
- Anorexiants or drugs which reduce appetite (phentermine), cimetidine, fenfluramine derivatives (dexfenfluramine), linezolid, lithium, MAOIs (phenelzine), metoclopramide (anti vomiting and used in GERD), nefazodone, selegiline, serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonists (sumatriptan used in migraine headaches), SNRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like venlafaxine; St. John's wort, tramadol, trazodone, or tryptophan because severe side effects, such as fever, rigid muscles, blood pressure changes, mental changes, confusion, irritability, agitation, delirium, and coma, may occur.
Possible Adverse Effects of Paxil
Paxil has some side effects like any other medicine. Some are mild and common and some are serious but fortunately rare. If you get any mild side effect you should consult your doctor only if they become persistent or bothersome. The mild and common side effects of Paxil are given below:
- Anxiety, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, stomach upset, dizziness, loss of appetite, drowsiness, dry mouth, gas in stomach, increased sweat production, increased urine production, nervousness, concentrating problem, trouble sleeping or sleeplessness, unusual skin sensations, weakness, blurring of vision, yawning etc.
Get immediate medical attention from your doctor or other health care provider if you experience any of the serious side effects of Paxil. Serious side effects of Paxil are given below:
- An allergic reaction that may be manifested by skin rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue.
- Severe anxiety, persistent anxiety, trouble sleeping or insomnia; bizarre behavior, hallucinations, impulsiveness, aggressiveness, hostility, panic attacks, irritability to any situation, exaggerated feeling of well being, worsening of agitation, restlessness, worsening of depression; black or bloody stools, chest pain; exaggerated reflexes; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat;; loss of coordination; new or, or inability to sit still; persistent and/or severe ringing in the ears; persistent, painful erection; red, swelling of skin, blistering of skin, peeling of skin; seizures; significant weight loss; stomach pain; suicidal thoughts or suicidal attempts; tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or severe mental or mood changes; vision changes etc.
