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Drug name:
Paxil
Paxil Introduction Paxil®
is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive
compulsive disorders (OCD), social anxiety
disorder (SAD) and generalized anxiety disorder.
This medication works by helping to restore the
balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain.
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Paxil Uses
Paxil is used
to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive
disorders (OCD), social anxiety disorder (social
phobia), and generalized anxiety disorder. Paxil works by helping to restore the balance of
certain natural chemicals in the brain. Paxil has also been used to treat a severe form of
premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder-
PMDD), sexual function problems in men (premature
ejaculation), nerve problems associated with diabetes
(diabetic neuropathy), chronic headaches, or
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
How to use Paxil
Take Paxil by mouth usually once daily in the morning,
with or without food; or as directed by your doctor. The
dosage is based on your medical condition and response
to therapy. It is important to continue taking Paxil as prescribed even if you feel well. Also, do
not stop taking Paxil without consulting your
doctor. It may take up to several weeks before the full
benefit of this drug takes effect.
Paxil Side Effects
Nausea,
drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea, trouble sleeping,
constipation, or dry mouth may occur. If any of these
effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious
side effects occur: loss of appetite, unusual or severe
mental/mood changes, increased sweating/flushing,
unusual fatigue, uncontrolled movements (tremor),
decreased interest in sex. Tell your doctor immediately
if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:
blurred vision, changes in sexual ability, painful
and/or prolonged erection, change in amount of urine.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly
unlikely but very serious side effects occur: fainting,
irregular heartbeat, muscle pain, trouble swallowing,
unusual swelling, seizures, easy bruising or bleeding,
tingling or numbness of the hands/feet. An allergic
reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate
medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic
reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe
dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
Paxil Precautions
Tell your
doctor your medical history, especially of: liver
problems, kidney problems, seizures, heart problems,
other mental/mood disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder),
thyroid problems, any allergies. Paxil may make you
dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities
requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
Limit alcoholic beverages. Caution is advised when using
Paxil in the elderly because they may be more
sensitive to the effects of the drug. Paxil
should be used only when clearly needed during
pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor. Paxil passes into breast milk. Because of
the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while
using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor
before breast-feeding.
Drug
interactions
Certain medications taken with this
product could result in serious, even fatal, drug
interactions. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g.,
furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide,
phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
within 2 weeks, and avoid taking thioridazine within 5
weeks, before or after treatment with this medication.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional
information. Paxil is not recommended for use with:
weight loss drugs (e.g., sibutramine, phentermine),
thioridazine, terfenadine, astemizole. Ask your doctor
or pharmacist for more details. Tell your doctor of all
prescription and nonprescription medication you may use,
especially: other SSRI antidepressants (e.g.,
citalopram, fluoxetine), nefazodone, trazodone,
tramadol, venlafaxine, "triptan" migraine drugs (e.g.,
sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), tricyclic antidepressants
(e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline), cimetidine,
digoxin, flecainide, propafenone, clozapine, lithium,
tryptophan, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin),
theophylline, herbal/natural products (e.g., melatonin,
ayahuasca, St John's wort). Tell your doctor if you take
any drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for
sleep, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti- anxiety drugs
(e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g.,
codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines
such as chlorpromazine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g.,
carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, certain antihistamines
(e.g., diphenhydramine). Report other drugs which affect
the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation), such as:
dofetilide, pimozide, sotalol, quinidine, procainamide,
sparfloxacin, "water pills" (diuretics such as
furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide). Ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more details. Do not start or stop any
medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Paxil Overdose
If Paxil overdose is
suspected, contact your local poison control center or
emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may
include: irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness
or lightheadedness.
Notes
Do not share Paxil with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests
may be performed to monitor your progress.
Paxil Missed Dose
If you miss
Paxil dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near
the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and
resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the
dose to catch up.
Paxil Storage
Store Paxil at room
temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30
degrees C) away from light and moisture.