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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Weight or appetite changes, libido changes, constipation, diarrhea, sleep changes, drowsiness, sweating, muscle weakness or pain, tremors, headache,
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.
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.
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.
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.