Paxil (Paroxetine) – Uses, Side Effects and Precautions
Paxil (paroxetine) is an antidepressant that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors class of medicines (SSRIs). Paroxetine affects brain chemicals that may be out of control in individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses. Paxil is a medication that is used to treat depression, such as major depressive disorder.
Paxil Uses
Paxil is used to treat depression, such as major depressive disorder.
It also treats panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
How to Use Paxil CR
Take Paxil exactly as directed by your doctor. Read all drug manuals or guidance sheets and follow all instructions on your prescription bottle. Your doctor may adjust your dose from time to time.
Do not crush, chew or crack the Paxil CR extended-release tablet; swallow it whole.
Shake the Paxil oral suspension (liquid) well before using. Use the given dosing syringe or a drug dose-measuring unit (not a kitchen spoon).
It may take up to four weeks for your symptoms to improve. Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after taking the drug as prescribed.
Do not suddenly stop taking Paxil, as you may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Inquire with your doctor on how to safely avoid taking this medication. Follow your doctor’s instructions to taper your dose.
Store Paxil away from moisture, sunlight, and light at room temperature.
Paxil Side Effects
Agitation
Chest congestion
Chest pain
Chills
Confusion
Difficulty breathing
Dizziness
Headache
Lightheadedness
Irregular heartbeat or pulse
Muscle pain
Weakness
Skin rash
Difficulty speaking
Dry mouth
Fever
Restlessness
Shivering
Sweating
Nausea
Drowsiness
Precautions
Do not take Paxil if you’re taking pimozide or thioridazine.
Avoid Paxil if you’ve taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Some young people may have suicidal thoughts when taking an antidepressant for the first time. Keep a close eye on any changes in your mood or symptoms and inform your doctor of any new or worsening symptoms.
Seek medical help immediately if you experience symptoms such as anxiety, hallucinations, muscle weakness, twitching, lack of balance, dizziness, warmth or tingling sensations, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sweating or tremors.
The drug’s side effects, especially bleeding and loss of coordination, may be more severe in older adults. Older adults are also more likely to develop a form of salt imbalance (hyponatremia), especially if they take “water pills” (diuretics). Falls may be exacerbated by a loss of control.
Children may be more prone to the drug’s adverse effects, especially appetite loss and weight loss. Children taking this medication may have changes in their weight.
It is not advised to take this drug during pregnancy. It has the potential to harm an unborn child, and babies born to mothers who used it during the last three months of pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms such as feeding/breathing problems, seizures, muscle weakness or excessive crying. Consult with your doctor to see if a particular prescription is appropriate for you. Inform your doctor immediately if you’re expecting.
This medication is excreted in breast milk. Consult your doctor.
Dosage Guidelines for Paxil
Drug interactions might lead your drugs to function differently or put you at risk for severe side effects.
Thioridazine, as well as other drugs that can cause bleeding or bruising, can interact with this medication (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, and blood thinners such as warfarin).
All of your medications (such as allergy or cough and cold remedies) should be checked for ingredients that cause drowsiness. Inquire with your pharmacist about the proper use of those drugs.
This medication can cause false test results in some medical/laboratory tests (including a brain scan for Parkinson’s disease). Ensure your laboratory staff and all of your physicians are aware that you are taking this medication.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, seek medical advice. Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is already near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dosage at regular intervals. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store Paxil at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications far away from children. Never flush medications down the toilet or pour them into drainage.
Before taking Paxil, consult your doctor. If you experience any problems or side effects after taking Paxil, seek immediate medical attention. Carry your medications with you while traveling to avoid any emergencies. Always follow your doctor’s advice when taking Paxil.
Paxil vs Zoloft:
Paxil
Zoloft
Paxil belongs from a drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Zoloft belongs from a drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
The generic name of Paxil is Paroxetine
The generic name of Zoloft is Sertraline
The standard dosage given is 10-60 mg daily, depending on the indication and response to treatment
The standard dosage given is 50-200 mg daily, depending on the indication and response to treatment
This medicine is used to treat depression, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder
Zoloft is a medication that is used to treat depression, such as major depressive disorder.
