Treats depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. This medicine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Brand Names:
Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva
Contraindications:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to paroxetine, or if you are also using thioridazine (Mellaril®) or have taken an MAO inhibitor (Marplan®, Eldepryl®, Parnate®, or Nardil®) within the past 2 weeks
Uses:
Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Liquid
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
You may take this medicine with or without food. This medicine is usually taken in the morning.
Shake the oral liquid well just before using. Measure the liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup.
If a dose is missed:
If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Storage:
Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a blood thinner (Coumadin®), Tagamet®, tryptophan, sumatriptan (Imitrex®), theophylline (Theo-Dur®), any other medicine for depression (such as amitriptyline, Prozac®), medicine for heart rhythm problems (such as Quinaglute®, Quinidex®, Rythmol®, Tambocor®), diuretics ("water pills" such as furosemide), or phenothiazines (such as Phenergan®, Thorazine®).
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
Warnings:
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, epilepsy, or a history of mania or bipolar disorder.
You may need to take this medicine for up to 4 weeks before you feel better. Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time. If you feel that the medicine is not working well, do not take more than your prescribed dose Call your doctor for instructions.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
