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.
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