Brand Name

Paxil {GlaxoSmithKline}

Generic Name

paroxetine, pronounced pa ROX a teen

 

What is Paxil?

Also known by the generic name Paroxetine, Paxil belongs to the group of drugs that are known as SSRIs. This drug is used in the treatment of such conditions as depression, PTSD, various stress disorders, anxiety, and similar conditions. It can also be used in the treatment of the premenstrual dysphoric disorder, among other things.

One of the shared qualities of all of these conditions is the fact that they generally occur due to an imbalance of chemicals in a human being. Paxil can be used as a means of correcting that balance, and there are a number of factors within that you will want to keep in mind.

It is also possible for Paxil to be used for reasons that are not outlined in this guide.

 

Key Facts About Paxil

Several things about Paxil should be kept in mind if you are planning to begin treatment. Ultimately, any decisions regarding this drug should be carefully discussed with your doctor:

Paxil refers to an antidepressant belonging to the SSRI group. The main purpose of Paxil is to provide assistance and long-term relief to those who suffer from such conditions as major depressive disorders, PTSD, OCD, premenstrual dysphoric disorders, and more. This is because Paxil is designed to restore a balance with the chemicals in your brain.

There are several drugs that should not be taken in conjunction with Paxil. This list includes Orap, Zyvox, Eldepryl, Nardil, and several others. This is only a partial list, and any drugs you are taking should ultimately be discussed with your physician. Dangerous interactions can occur with many drugs, in terms of their relationship to Paxil.

If you are currently taking an MAO inhibitor, you may be required to stop taking it, and wait fourteen days, before beginning treatment.

Those who take Paxil occasionally experience thoughts of suicide. This is a particularly serious possibility among those who are under twenty-four years of age. If you experience these thoughts for yourself, you will want to discuss that with a healthcare provider immediately. It is important to maintain regular appointments with your physician. This is particularly important during your first three months of taking the drug.

Those who are planning to become pregnant, or those who are pregnant, will want to take note of the fact that Paxil is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that taking Paxil while pregnant can cause certain serious defects with the liver and/or kidneys of your newborn. Paxil should not be used for those who are breastfeeding for similar reasons.

If you experience new/worsening symptoms, you should talk to your doctor at once. These symptoms can include changes in mood, panic attacks, impulsive thoughts, difficulty sleeping, thoughts of suicide/self-harm, and others. Because of these potential symptoms/side effects, you should not drink alcohol while taking this medication. Doing so can enhance/speed-up the symptoms mentioned, as well as others.

Paxil can impact not only your ability to think but also your reaction time. Take caution, if you are planning to engage in any activities that cover those things

 

Before You Take Paxil

If you are allergic to paroxetine, or any components of the said tablet, you should not take Paxil. If you are concerned about a possible allergy, you will want to discuss that with your doctor. Furthermore, you will want to tell your doctor if you are taking such medications as Celexa, Prozac, Zoloft, Cymbalta, or any MAO inhibitor.

Those who are taking an MAO inhibitor will want to stop taking their inhibitor, and wait fourteen days, before beginning treatment with Paxil.

Those who have a kidney or liver disease will want to discuss these things with their doctor, before taking Paxil. The same can be said for those who have been diagnosed with manic depression, a bipolar disorder, a history of drug abuse, or a history of mental illness.

Anyone suffering from seizures and/or epilepsy will want to share that information with their doctor, as well. Narrow-angle glaucoma is something else to discuss, in addition to those who have trouble with blood-clotting or bleeding.

Let your doctor know about any other antidepressants that you may take, especially Celexa, Cymbalta, Desyrel, Effexor, Lexapro, Luvox, Oleptro, Prozac, Sarafem, Symbyax, Viibryd, and Zoloft.

You should inform your doctor if you have previously been diagnosed as manic depressive, bipolar, or if you have had a history of suicidal thoughts or drug abuse.

 

Paxil Drug Interactions

There is a very long list of drugs that can have negative/serious interactions with Paxil. You will want to discuss anything you are taking with your doctor before you start treatment with Paxil.

Some examples of drugs that can have negative interactions with Paxil include Axert, Cipro, Zyvox, Maxalt, St. Jon’s Wort, Frova, Lodine, Norpace, Advil, Maxalt, water pills, valium, sleeping pills, over-the-counter cold/allergy medications, and Feldene.

Various other vitamins, supplements, and herbal items can also negatively interact with this drug. All of these should be discussed with a doctor before treatment.

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• almotriptan (Axert)
• antidepressants like desipramine (Norpramin), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), or paroxetine (Paxil)
• aspirin
• cimetidine (Tagamet)
• cold or allergy medications, over the counter
• chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
• diclofenac (Voltaren)
• digitoxin (Crystodigin)
• disopyramide (Norpace)
• etodolac (Lodine)
• fentanyl (Abstral, Actiq, Fentora, Duragesic, Ionsys, Lazanda, Onsolis)
• flecaininde (Tambocor)
• fluphenazine (Permitil, Prolixin)
• fluvoxamine (Luvox)
• fosamprenavir (Lexiva)
• frovatriptan (Frova)
• haloperidol (Haldol)
• ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• indomethacin
• linezolid (Zyvox)
• lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith)
• mexiletine (Mexitil)
• nabumetone (Relafen)
• naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
• naratriptan (Amerge)
• narcotic pain medications
• perphenazine (Trilafon)
• piroxicam (Feldene)
• procainamide (Pronestyl)
• propafenone (Rythmol)
• quinidine (Quin-G)
• risperidone (Risperdal)
• ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra)
• rizatriptan (Maxalt)
• St. John’s wort
• sumatriptan (Imitrex)
• tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox)
• theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Theochron, Uniphyl)
• tramadol (Ultram)
• tryptophan (sometimes called L-tryptophan)
• valium or sleeping pills
• valproate (Depacon, Depakene)
• warfarin (Coumadin)
• zolmitriptan (Zomig)

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Paxil. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

 

Directions for Taking Paxil

Paxil should only be taken as directed by your physician. Paxil should not be taken in amounts smaller or larger than what you have been prescribed. Furthermore, Paxil should not be taken for any period shorter or longer than the period prescribed by your doctor. This is a medication that should be taken at the same time from one day to the next.

This drug can be taken with or without food. If you are taking Paxil in the liquid form, then you will want to make sure you shake the medication vigorously before use. Only a specialized dosage-measuring spoon should be used.

You can expect to wait approximately four weeks before you begin to see an improvement in your condition. If you need to stop taking Paxil for any reason, consult your doctor beforehand. Serious side effects can occur if you stop taking the drug suddenly. Because Paxil can create a false positive on a drug test, you are going to want to tell your doctor or laboratory support staff, if you are taking such a test.

Store Paxil in a space that maintains room temperature. It should not be exposed to high amounts of light, heat, or moisture.

If you miss taking a dose of Paxil, make sure to take the dose regardless. The only exception to this is if you are closer to your next dose than you are to the one you missed. Symptoms associated with the end of a Paxil treatment include mood changes, dizziness, and numbing. If you are planning to stop taking Paxil, discuss this with your doctor.

 

Paxil Side Effects

There are several serious side effects of Paxil that should be observed. If you experience anything along the lines of aggressive behavior, bone pain/swelling, fevers, hallucinations, seizures, tremors, or shallow breathing, you will need to seek emergency attention immediately.

Some of the less-serious side effects of Paxil include diminished libido, mild nausea, yawning, nervousness, and a ringing in the ears. If you experience anything significantly beyond the norm of your day-to-day life, talk to your doctor.

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Paxil and seek emergency medical help immediately:

• aggressive, agitated or hostile behavior
• allergic reaction such as breathing difficulties, hives, swelling of your face, lips, throat or tongue
• bleeding from unusual places such as your nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum
• bone pain, bruising, swelling or tenderness
• bruising easily
• coughing up blood
• diarrhea
• fainting
• fast heart rate
• fever
• hallucinations
• headache
• loss of coordination
• memory problems and trouble concentrating
• nausea
• overactive reflexes
• seizures
• severe skin reaction including a fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) that causes blistering and peeling.
• shallow breathing or breathing that stops
• tremors
• vomiting

 

Less serious Paxil side effects may include

• constipation
• decreased libido
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• headache (mild)
• impotence
• insomnia
• nausea (mild)
• nervousness
• ringing in your ears
• weight changes;
• yawning,

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Paxil. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

 

Paxil Description and Dosing

Paxil is available in the following dosages:

• 10mg: Yellow. Scored.
• 20mg: Pink. Scored.
• 30mg: Blue.
• 40mg: Green.
• Liquid: 5mg dosage. Orange colored/flavored.

The dosage your doctor ultimately gives you is going to depend on your specific needs. Your doctor will choose the right dosage amount, and this should be followed. You should not attempt to make any changes to your dosage or schedule without talking to your doctor first.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Paxil you should seek emergency help immediately.

 

Ingredients in Paxil

The main active ingredient in Paxil is paroxetine. Inactive ingredients in the tablets are dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycols, polysorbate 80, sodium starch glycolate, titanium dioxide, and 1 or more of the following: D&C Red No. 30 aluminum lake, D&C Yellow No. 10 aluminum lake, FD&C Blue No. 2 aluminum lake, FD&C Yellow No. 6 aluminum lake.

The inactive ingredients in the Paxil suspension include polacrilin potassium, microcrystalline cellulose, propylene glycol, glycerin, sorbitol, Methylparaben, propylparaben, sodium citrate dihydrate, citric acid anhydrous, sodium saccharin, flavorings, FD&C Yellow No. 6 aluminum lake, and simethicone emulsion, USP.

>Important Note

All of the information contained in this guide should be used for educational aims only. Furthermore, this is not a comprehensive/exhaustive guide to Zoloft. Further information can be found through the manufacturer website, among other sources.

This guide is not designed to be used as medical advice. It is not intended in any way, shape, or form to take the place of medical professional services, including examinations and diagnoses.

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