Paxil is a SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) used to treat depression, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a severe form of premenstrual syndrome called premenstrual dysphoric disorder. SSRIs help to restore the balance of neurotransmitters like serotonin in the brain. It may improve mood, sleep, appetite, and energy levels, and restore an interest in daily living. It may decrease anxiety, unreasonable fears, persistent obsessions and compulsions, and decrease the number and intensity of panic attacks. It may also help with symptoms of premenstrual symptoms like irritability, increased appetite and depression.http://www.rxlist.com/paxil-drug.htm

Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication (especially for people younger than 25), even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition.http://www.rxlist.com/paxil-drug.htm

Tell the doctor immediately if you notice worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed.http://www.rxlist.com/paxil-drug.htm

Cautions

Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following: Allergies to any drugs; liver or kidney disease; a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; epilepsy or seizures; bipolar disorder; history of drug abuse; suicidal thoughts. If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests to safely use Paxil.

Antidepressants can cause suicidal thoughts especially in individuals under 24. If your depression or suicidal thoughts increase during the first few weeks of treatment, notify your doctor. Have your family or caregivers watch for signs of changing moods or symptoms. You will need to be checked by your doctor regularly for the first twelve weeks of treatment.

Paxil can cause heart defects or life-threatening lung problems in newborns whose mothers are taking Paxil during pregnancy. Cessation of medication during pregnancy can cause a relapse of depression so if you are planning on getting pregnant talk to your doctor about stopping the medication. Breastfeeding during pregnancy can be harmful to the baby. Do not breastfeed while taking this medication.http://www.rxlist.com/paxil-drug.htm

Drug Interactions with Paxil

Do not take Paxil together with:

1. Orap
2. Mellaril
3. MAOIs such as Marplan, Nardil, Azilect, Eldepryl, Emsam, or Parnate

Serious and sometimes fatal reactions can occur when these medicines are taken with Paxil. You must wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAO inhibitor before you can take Paxil. After you stop taking Paxil, you must wait at least 14 days before you start taking an MAOI.http://www.rxlist.com/paxil-drug.htm

Medications and supplements that may interact with Paxil are: Coumadin, Tagamet, Lexiva, Zyvox, Norvir, St. John’s Wort, Nolvadex, Soltamox, Elixophyllin, Uniphyl, Ultram, and L-tryptophan.

Heart Medications that interact with Paxil are Digitalis, Lanoxin, Norpace, Tambocor, Mextil, Ethmozine, Rythmol, Procan, Procanbid, Pronestyll, QuinaGlute, Quinidex, Quin-Release, and Risperdal.

Antidepressants that interact with Paxil are: Elavil, Celexa, Norpramin, Lexapro, Prozac, Sarafem, Luvox, Tofranil, Pamelor and Zoloft.

Psychiatric medications that interact with Paxil are: Thorazine, Permitil, Prolixin, Haldol, Lithobid, Eskalith, Trilafon, Axert, Frova, Imitrex, Amerge, Maxalt, and Zomig http://www.drugs.com/paxil.html

The above medications are just a partial list. There are 188 drugs that have serious interactions with Paxil and 601 drugs that have moderate interactions with Paxil.http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/paroxetine,paxil.html

1. Read the medication guide before you start using Paxil and every time you get a refill. Be sure to ask the doctor or pharmacist any questions you may have.
2. This medication can be taken orally with or without food. Taking it with food may decrease nausea. It is usually taken once daily, but should be taken as prescribed by your doctor.
3. Depending on whether Paxil makes you drowsy or awake, will determine whether you will take your dose in the morning or evening.
4. You may be started on a low dose and gradually increase it over time.
5. Do not take more medication than prescribed, more frequently than prescribed, or longer than prescribed. You will not get any better any quicker and side effect risks will increase.
6. Be sure to take your medication regularly to get the most benefit. Try to take it at the same time each day.
7. For premenstrual problems you may be directed to take it every day of the month or just the two weeks before your period through the first full day of your period.
8. Even if you feel well, do not stop the medication without consulting your doctor.
9. If you use this drug for an extended time or take high doses, this medication can cause dependence. If you stop suddenly withdraw symptoms will occur. The drug should be withdrawn gradually by reducing the dosage as directed. If you have withdrawal reactions or your symptoms get worse contact your doctor immediately. Withdrawal symptoms may include: agitation, dizziness, numbness or tingling, ringing in your ears, confusion, or behavior changes.
10. The full effects of the medication take a few weeks to occur, but you will begin to see improvement in the first one or two weeks.
11. Be sure to tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.http://www.rxlist.com/paxil-drug.htm
12. Do not chew, break, or crush controlled-release tablets, swallow them whole. If the pill breaks too much of the drug can get into the system at one time. If it is liquid, be sure to shake well. Use a marked measuring spoon to measure liquid doses, not a tablespoon.
13. Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture.
14. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the next dose, skip the dose and continue taking it on time. Do not double dose.
15. If you take too much Paxil, seek medical attention. Symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, sweating, blurred vision, sweating, rapid heartbeat, tremor, aggression, seizures, confusion, and coma.
16. Do not drink alcohol when taking Paxil as it can increase side effects.
17. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Paxil affects you.
18. Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, or anxiety can add to the sleepiness caused by Paxil.http://www.drugs.com/paxil.html

All drugs carry the risk of side effects. The following is a list of side effects, some of which require emergency attention and some of which are common. Be sure to discuss bothersome ones with your doctor. Your dosage may have to be changed or you may have to be switched to another drug.

Seek emergency help if you experience an allergic reaction, such as: skin rash, hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Contact the doctor if you experience mood changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, agitation, aggressiveness, severe restlessness, mania (mental or physical hyperactivity), or thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.

Contact your doctor immediately if any of the following occurs:

• Easy bruising or bleeding, such as a nosebleed
• Rigid muscles, high fever, sweating, irregular heartbeat, tremors, or overactive reflexes
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, feeling unsteady, or loss of coordination
• Headache, trouble concentrating, memory problems, hallucinations, fainting, weakness, confusion, shallow breathing, breathing that stops, or seizures

Common side effects of Paxil are nervousness, dizziness or drowsiness, insomnia, mild nausea or constipation, changes in weight, decreased sex drive, difficulty having an orgasm, impotence, or dry mouth, ringing in your ears, yawning. Discuss any side effects with your doctor or pharmacist. You may also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Things to remember

1. Do not share your medicine with others, it is against the law.
2. Keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets.
3. Do not use Paxil for any use other than what it was intended for.http://www.drugs.com/paxil.html

The content on this page is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Speak with a qualified heath care professional to ensure that you have the most accurate information regarding any medication.