Uses
Paroxetine (Paxil) is a SSRI(Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor). It works by helping to balance the natural neurotransmitter called serotonin in the brain, achieving beneficial effects in the treatment of depression.
How to Use
Take this medication by mouth with water, it can be taken with or without food.
Take it exactly as directed, do not take it more than directed.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.
Important Information
Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without consulting with your doctor, stopping it abruptly can lead to serious side effects.
Visit your doctor regularly while taking this medication.
It may take a few weeks before this medication begins to work. Notify your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
It is important for patients and their families to monitor for any mood or behavioral changes and contact a healthcare provider in the case of depression, thoughts of suicide, anxiousness, hostility, aggression, restlessness, excitability, and lack of ability to sleep.
Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without consulting with your doctor.
Do not operate heavy machinery, drive a car, or engage in other activity that requires fine motor skills until you are sure of how this medication affects you.
Stand and sit slowly when first starting this medication to avoid dizziness.
This medication can make your mouth dry, drinking water, chewing sugarless gum, or sucking on candy can help to decrease this side effect.
Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication
Glaucoma, bleeding disorders, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, low sodium, bipolar disorder or other psychiatric disorders, seizures, previous suicidal thoughts or actions, a history of allergic reactions, if you take medications for blood clots, if you take MAOI medications such as eldepryl, carbex, nardil or parnate, pregnancy, breastfeeding trying to become pregnant.
Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider
Allergic reactions(hives, rashes, itching, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, vomiting, excessive fatigue, unusual bleeding or bruising, changes in the passing of urine, suicidal thoughts or mood changes, prolonged erection or an erection that is painful, heartbeat changes(increased heart rate), bloody stools, black stools, blood in the vomit or urine.
Other Side Effects
Weight or appetite changes, libido changes, constipation, diarrhea, sleep changes, drowsiness, sweating, muscle weakness or pain, tremors, headache,
Adult Dose
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
20 mg by mouth daily taken in the morning. The dose is then adjusted by increments of 10 mg per day at intervals of no less than 1 week.
Depression:
Immediate Release: 20 mg by mouth daily taken in the morning. The dose is then adjusted by increments of 10 mg per day at intervals of no less than 1 week.
Controlled Release: 25 mg by mouth daily taken in the morning. The dose is then adjusted by increments of 12.5 mg per day at intervals of no less than 1 week.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
20 mg by mouth daily taken in the morning. The dose is then adjusted by increments of 10 mg per day at intervals of no less than 1 week.
Panic Disorder
Immediate Release: 10 mg by mouth daily taken in the morning. The dose is then adjusted by increments of 10 mg per day at intervals of no less than 1 week.
Controlled Release: 12.5 mg by mouth daily taken in the morning. The dose is then adjusted by increments of 12.5 mg per day at intervals of no less than 1 week.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
20 mg by mouth daily taken in the morning. The dose is then adjusted by increments of 10 mg per day by intervals of no less than 1 week.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Controlled Release: 12.5 mg by mouth daily taken in the morning. The dose can then be increased to 25 mg per day at an interval of no less than 1 week.
Social Phobia
Immediate Release: 20 mg by mouth daily taken in the morning.
Controlled Release: 12.5mg by mouth daily taken in the morning. The dose is then adjusted by increments of 12.5 mg per day at intervals of no less than 1 week.
Sources
1. Paxil ® oral tablets, suspension, paroxetine hydrochloride oral tablets, suspension[package insert]. Research Triangle Park, NC: GlaxoSmithKline; 2010.
2. Paxil CR (R) controlled-release oral tablets, paroxetine hydrochloride controlled-release oral tablets[package insert]. Research Triangle Park, NC: GlaxoSmithKline; 2010.
3. Paxil (paroxetine HCL) [package insert]. Research Triangle Park, NC: GlaxoSmithKline; 2014.
4. Blier P, de Montigny C. Serotonin and drug-induced therapeutic responses in major depression, obsessive-compulsive and panic disorders. Neuropsychopharmacology 1999;21:91S-98S.
