Paxil (Paroxetine)
^TopWhat is paxil
Paxil is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. It works by restoring the balance of serotonin which helps to improve certain mood problems.
Paxil is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Paxil may also be used for other purposes not listed here.
^TopHow does paxil work
Depression and anxiety disorders are believed to be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. One of these chemicals is serotonin, which helps send electrical signals from one nerve cell to another. In the process, serotonin is released from the sending nerve sell and travels to the receiving one where it is either absorbed or returns to the original sender cell.
According to SmithKlineGlaxo, the manufacturer of Paxil, when a person suffers from depression or anxiety disorders, it typically indicates a problem with the serontonin balance and its effect on cell-to-cell communication-too much serotonin is reabsorbed by the first nerve cell, so the next cell does not have enough. To paraphrase, it's similar to a conversation where one person does all the talking and the other person never gets to talk, leading to a communication imbalance.
Paxil blocks serotonin from being reabsorbed back into the sender nerve cell, which increases the amount of serontonin available to be absorbed by the receiver cell and can help the cell-to-cell message transmission and communication return to normal.
^TopHow to use paxil
Use Paxil as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Paxil comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Paxil refilled.
- Take Paxil by mouth with or without food.
- Swallow Paxil whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
- Taking Paxil at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
- Continue to take Paxil even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
- Do not suddenly stop taking Paxil without checking with your doctor. Side effects may occur. They may include mental or mood changes, numbness or tingling of the skin, dizziness, confusion, headache, trouble sleeping, or unusual tiredness. You will be closely monitored when you start Paxil and whenever a change in dose is made.
- If you miss a dose of Paxil , take it as soon as possible. If it almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Paxil.
^TopPaxil dosage
The dosage prescribed for Paxil use may vary depending on the condition it is being used to treat. Below we have outlined usual dosages for specific conditions. Remember also, if you are planning to or are currently taking Paxil, try to take it in the morning at approximately the same time everyday.
Paxil dosage for depression
The usual starting dose is 20 milligrams a day, taken as a single dose. From here, depending on the patient's response to the drug and with intervals of at least one week, a doctor may increase dosage by 10 milligrams a day, up to a maximum of 50 milligrams a day.
^TopImportant information
You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. Paxil may cause heart defects or serious, life-threatening lung problems in newborn babies whose mothers take the medication during pregnancy. However, you may have a relapse of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant during pregnancy. If you are planning a pregnancy, or if you become pregnant while taking Paxil, do not stop taking the medication without first talking to your doctor. Do not take Paxil together with pimozide (Orap), thioridazine (Mellaril), or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate).
^TopPaxil side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: skin rash or hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Contact your doctor promptly if you have any of the following side effects, especially if they are new symptoms or if they get worse: mood changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, agitation, aggressiveness, severe restlessness, mania (mental and/or physical hyperactivity), thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- seizure (convulsions);
- tremors, shivering, muscle stiffness or twitching;
- problems with balance or coordination;
- agitation, confusion, sweating, fast heartbeat; or
- easy bruising or bleeding (such as a nosebleed).
Less serious side effects may include:
- feeling nervous, restless, or unable to sit still;
- drowsiness, dizziness, weakness;
- sleep problems (insomnia);
- nausea, constipation, loss of appetite;
- weight changes;
- decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm; or
- dry mouth, yawning, or ringing in your ears.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
^TopBefore taking paxil
Do not use Paxil if you are using pimozide (Orap), thioridazine (Mellaril), or an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam). Serious and sometimes fatal reactions can occur when these medicines are taken with Paxil. You must wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAO inhibitor before you can take Paxil. After you stop taking Paxil, you must wait at least 14 days before you start taking an MAOI.
Before taking Paxil, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
- liver or kidney disease;
- a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
- seizures or epilepsy; or
- bipolar disorder (manic depression), or a history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use Paxil.
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Tell your doctor if you have worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.
Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.
FDA pregnancy category D. Paxil may cause heart defects or serious, life-threatening lung problems in newborn babies whose mothers take the medication during pregnancy. However, you may have a relapse of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant during pregnancy. If you are planning a pregnancy, or if you become pregnant while taking Paxil, do not stop taking the medication without first talking to your doctor. Paxil can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
^TopHow should I take paxil
Take Paxil exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from the medication.
Try to take the medicine at the same time each day. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Do not crush, chew, or break a controlled-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Shake the liquid form of Paxil well just before you measure a dose. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one. It may take up to 4 weeks of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment.
You may have withdrawal symptoms (such as agitation, dizziness, numbness or tingling, ringing in your ears, confusion, or behavior changes) after you stop taking Paxil. Do not stop taking Paxil suddenly without first talking to your doctor.
Store Paxil at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
^TopPaxil overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have taken too much of Paxil. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, tremor, sweating, decreased urination, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, confusion, aggression, seizures, and coma.
^TopWhat other drugs will affect paxil?
Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine for pain, arthritis, fever, or swelling. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), diclofenac (Voltaren), indomethacin, piroxicam (Feldene), nabumetone (Relafen), etodolac (Lodine), and others. Taking any of these drugs with Paxil may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.
Before taking Paxil, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following medicines:
- atomoxetine (Strattera), cimetidine (Tagamet), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith), risperidone (Risperdal), ritonavir (Norvir), St. John's wort, tramadol (Ultram), or tryptophan (also called L-tryptophan);
- heart rhythm medication such as flecainide (Tambocor) or propafenone (Rhythmol);
- a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
- any other antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), or sertraline (Zoloft);
- a phenothiazine such as prochlorperazine (Compazine), chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), and others; or
- almotriptan (Axert), frovatriptan (Frova), sumatriptan (Imitrex), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), or zolmitriptan (Zomig).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Paxil. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
^TopWhat is generic paxil
The name for generic paxil is paroxetine.
^TopOrder paxil
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^TopRelated drugs
Wellbutrin, Prozac, Risperdal, Zoloft, Aldactone, Zyban.