PAROXETINE (Paxil) is used for treating depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It may be used to treat panic disorder or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It may also be used to treat generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder.
Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by restoring the balance of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain, which helps to improve certain mood problems.
Paroxetine belongs to antidepressants. It is used to relieve depression. It is also used to help people with such problems, like post-traumatic stress, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety.
Alert your doctor if any of these applies to you:
breast-feeding
heart disease or recent heart attack
pregnant or planning to become pregnant
kidney disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to paroxetine, any other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
receiving electroconvulsive therapy
suicidal thoughts or previous suicide attempt
seizures (convulsions)
Safety issuies:
It is known, that paroxetine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Until you know your reaction to fluvoxamaine, aviod driving, operating machinery or doing something else that requires mental alertness.
Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other antidepressants to preclude mixing and effects adding.
Some children or teenagers may experience the increase of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The risk increases if individual have bipolar ilness (also called manic-depressive illness), a family history of bipolar illness, or a history of attempting suicide. Pay close attention to changes in moods or actions, especially if changes occur suddenly.
Full effect of fluvoxamine may be reached in several weeks (up to 8).
How to use:
Strictly follow your doctor's insructions. Advert to medicine label to get the exact dosing instructions.
Medication Guide is an additional patient information sheet. It comes with the paroxetine.
You may take paroxetine either with or without food.
Don't stop taking paroxetine until your doctor said so.
If you miss a dose, and you are prescribed to take one dose daily, take the missed dose the same day. If you are taking more than one dose daily, skip thó missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Never take two doses at one stroke.
What drug(s) may interact with paroxetine?
Do not take paroxetine with any of the following medications:
MAO inhibitors (such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, selegiline)
astemizole
thioridazine
cisapride
terfenadine
pimozide
Paroxetine may also interact with the following medications:
medicines for regulating heart rhythm or blood pressure
furazolidone
other medicines for treating mental depression, anxiety, manias, or difficulty sleeping
linezolid
medicines for psychotic disturbances
lithium
Possible side effects:
If you experience these side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately:
vomiting
agitation, anxiety, or restlessness, especially in the first week of treatment or when dosing changes
unusual tiredness or weakness
dizziness or lightheadedness
tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands or feet
heart palpitations
rash, itching (hives)
difficulty or pain passing urine
fast talking and excited feelings or actions that are out if control
painful or prolonged erections
These side effects usually don't require medical attention (but you should contact your doctor if they continue or are bothersome):
wieght gain or loss
constipation or diarrhea
unusual taste
difficulty sleeping
tremor (shaking)
dry mouth
stomach gases, indigestion
headache
sexual difficulties (decreased sexual ability or desire)
increased or decreased appetite
muscle pain or weakness
increased sweating
What is the shelf life of the pills?
The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
What is a generic pill?
Generic drug (pl. generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without a brand name. A generic must contain the same active ingredients as the original formulation. In most cases, it is considered bioequivalent to the brand name counterpart with respect to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.
