Paroxetine

Drug Uses

 Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is used to treat depression and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. In some cases it is also prescribed for the treatment of panic disorder or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

 How it is taken

Paroxetine must be taken by mouth with or after a meal to avoid an upset stomach. Swallow the pill while without crushing, chewing or breaking it.

Take it for the entire duration of treatment preferably at the same time everyday. Do not stop taking Paroxetine without consulting your doctor. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that restores the balance of a chemical called serotonin in the brain and helps improve the mood.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Paroxetin0065` then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.
 

Warnings/Precautions

 Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances.

 Paroxetine may cause drowsiness. These effects get aggravated if you take it with alcohol or certain other medications (sleep aids, muscle relaxers). So, do not drive or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you know how your body reacts to the drug.

Antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some children and teenagers. Symptoms like depression, anxiety, restlessness or irritability, panic attacks, thoughts or attempts of suicide, or other unusual changes in behavior or mood should immediately be reported to the doctor. The risk of this happening increases significantly if the patient has bipolar illness (also called manic–depressive illness), a family history of bipolar illness, or a history of attempting suicide.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or, you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (e.g., phenelzine), selegiline, or St. John's wort within the last 14 days, you are taking a fenfluramine derivative (e.g., dexfenfluramine), nefazodone, pimozide, a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) (e.g., venlafaxine), sibutramine, thioridazine, or tryptophan.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Paroxetine and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Paroxetine is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with Paroxetine and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

Paroxetine should not be used in children as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.

If your doctor tells you to stop taking Paroxetine, you will need to wait for several weeks before beginning to take certain other medicines (e.g., MAOIs, nefazodone). Ask your doctor when you should start to take your new medicines after you have stopped taking Paroxetine.

Paroxetine when paired with drugs like triptans," MAOIs can lead to a syndrome called Serotonin Syndrome. This is a potentially fatal syndrome.

Paroxetine is also known to cause Priapism in certain rare cases. Priapism is an extremely rare condition in which the patient experiences a prolonged and painful erection. This happens even if the person is not sexually aroused. This must be treated immediately or else it may lead to permanent sexual problems.
 

Possible Side Effects

 Some of the common side effects of are anxiety, blurred vision, constipation, decreased sexual desire or ability, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, gas, increased sweating, increased urination, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, stomach upset, trouble concentrating, trouble sleeping, unusual skin sensations, weakness, yawning. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

 Other severe side effects include severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), bizarre behavior, black or bloody stools, chest pain, exaggerated reflexes, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, chills, or sore throat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, new or worsening agitation, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, restlessness, or inability to sit still, persistent or severe ringing in the ears, persistent, painful erection, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, seizures, severe or persistent anxiety or trouble sleeping, significant weight loss, stomach pain, suicidal thoughts or attempts, tremor, unusual bruising or bleeding, unusual or severe mental or mood changes, vision changes, worsening of depression.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.