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Paroxetine tablets or capsules, plain or extended-release
What do paroxetine tablets or capsules, plain or extended-release do?
PAROXETINE (Paxil(R), Paxil(R) CR(TM)) is classified as an antidepressant. It helps to improve a person's mood by treating depression. Paroxetine can also help people with obsessive compulsive disorder or panic attacks. Paroxetine may also be prescribed for other purposes, like premenstrual syndrome. Generic paroxetine tablets and extended-release capsules are not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I take paroxetine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• heart disease
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• receiving electroconvulsive therapy
• seizures (convulsions)
• suicidal thoughts
• an unusual or allergic reaction to paroxetine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take paroxetine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If you are taking Paxil(R) CR(TM), you should not chew, crush, or cut these tablets. You may take paroxetine with or without food. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with paroxetine?
Paroxetine has the potential to interact with a variety of medications, check with your healthcare professional. The following list contains some of these interactions.
Do not take paroxetine with any of the following medications:
• astemizole (Hismanal(R))
• cisapride (Propulsid(R))
• pimozide (Orap(R))
• terfenadine (Seldane(R))
• thioridazine (Mellaril(R))
• medicines called MAO inhibitors-phenelzine (Nardil(R)), tranylcypromine (Parnate(R)), isocarboxazid (Marplan(R)), selegiline (Eldepryl(R))
Paroxetine may also interact with the following medications:
• antacids (Paxil(R) CR(TM) only)
• alcohol
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• certain migraine headache medicines (naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan)
• cimetidine
• dextromethorphan
• digoxin
• furazolidone
• linezolid
• lithium
• medications for weight control or appetite
• medicines for psychotic disturbances
• other medicines for mental depression, mania, anxiety, or difficulty sleeping
• metoprolol
• other medicines for heart rhythm or blood pressure
• phenytoin
• procarbazine
• selegiline
• St. John's wort, Hypericum perforatum
• theophylline
• tramadol
• warfarin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, and herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking paroxetine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• difficulty breathing
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• heart palpitations
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• passing urine more often than usual
• fast talking and excited feelings or actions that are out of control
• rash, itching (hives)
• tingling, pain or numbness in the hands or feet
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• agitation or restlessness
• anxiety, confusion or nervousness
• constipation or diarrhea
• difficulty sleeping
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• headache
• increased or decreased appetite
• increased sweating
• muscle pain or weakness
• sexual difficulties (decreased sexual ability or desire)
• stomach gas, indigestion
• tremor (shaking)
• unusual taste
• weight gain or loss
What do I need to watch for while I take paroxetine?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Continue to take your tablets even if you do not immediately feel better. It can take several weeks before you feel the full effect of paroxetine. If you get suicidal thoughts, call your prescriber or health care professional at once.
If you have been taking paroxetine regularly for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually reduce the dose or your symptoms may get worse. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how paroxetine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase or decrease the effects of paroxetine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking paroxetine.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degreesC (59 and 86 degreesF). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.