Paxil

Generic name: Paroxetine hydrochloride

What is Paxil?

Paxil is used to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

What is the most important information I should know about Paxil?

Paxil is not approved for use in pediatric patients.

Antidepressant medicines may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults when the medicine is first started. Depression and other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts and actions. Some people may have a particularly high risk of having suicidal thoughts or actions. These include people who have (or have a family history of) bipolar disorder (also called manic-depressive illness) or suicidal thoughts or actions.

Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden ones, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is very important when an antidepressant medicine is first started or when the dose is changed.

Call the doctor right away to report new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings. Signs to watch for include new or worsening depression, new or worsening anxiety, agitation, insomnia, hostility, panic attacks, restlessness, extreme hyperactivity, and suicidal thinking or behavior.

Keep all follow-up visits as scheduled, and call the doctor between visits as needed, especially if you have concerns about symptoms.

Who should not take Paxil?

You should not take Paxil if you are allergic to it or any of its components. It should also be avoided if you are currently taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), linezolid, thioridazine, or pimozide.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Paxil?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Paxil. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you intend on becoming pregnant or if you have a history of suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, insomnia, seizures, glaucoma, or severe kidney or liver impairment.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Depression

Adults: The recommended starting dose is 20 milligrams (mg) daily. Depending on how you respond to Paxil, your doses may be increased in 10 mg/day increments up to a maximum daily dose of 50 mg.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Adults: The recommended starting dose is 20 mg daily. Depending on how you respond to Paxil, your doses may be increased in 10 mg/day increments up to a maximum daily dose of 60 mg.

Panic Disorder

Adults: The recommended starting dose is 10 mg daily. Depending on how you respond to Paxil, your doses may be increased in 10 mg/day increments up to a maximum daily dose of 60 mg.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Adults: The recommended starting dose is 20 mg daily. Depending on how you respond to Paxil, your doses may be increased up to a maximum daily dose of 60 mg.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Adults: The recommended starting dose is 20 mg daily. Depending on how you respond to Paxil, your doses may be increased up to a maximum daily dose of 50 mg.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Adults: The recommended starting dose is 20 mg daily. Depending on how you respond to Paxil, your dose may be increased up to a maximum daily dose to 50 mg.

How should I take Paxil?

Paxil is taken once daily, usually in the morning, with or without food.

What should I avoid while taking Paxil?

Avoid drinking alcohol during treatment with Paxil. Avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Paxil?

If Paxil is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Paxil with any of the following: alcohol, antidepressants such as amitriptyline, desipramine, fluoxetine, imipramine, and nortriptyline, aspirin, cimetidine, diazepam, digoxin, flecainide, linezolid, lithium, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketoprofen, phenobarbital, phenytoin, pimozide, procyclidine, propafenone, propranolol, quinidine, St. John's wort, sumatriptan, theophylline, thioridazine, tramadol, triptans (a class of medication used to treat migraines; examples include sumatriptan and zolmitriptan), tryptophan, and warfarin.

What are the possible side effects of Paxil?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: abnormal ejaculation, abnormal orgasm, constipation, decreased appetite, decreased sex drive, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, gas, impotence, male and female genital disorders, nausea, nervousness, sleeplessness, sweating, tremor, weakness, vertigo

Can I receive Paxil if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

For women who intend to become pregnant or are in their first trimester of pregnancy, Paxil should only be initiated after consideration of the other available treatment options. The effects of Paxil during breastfeeding are unknown; discuss your options with your doctor.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Paxil?

Skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you missed.

How should I store Paxil?

Store at room temperature.