|
IMPORTANT
NOTE: The following information is intended
to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and
judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to indicate
that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective
for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
using this drug.
PAROXETINE - ORAL (pair-OX-eh-teen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Paxil
USES: Paroxetine
is used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive
compulsive disorders (OCD), social anxiety disorder
(social phobia), and generalized anxiety disorder.
This medication works by helping to restore the balance
of certain natural chemicals in the brain.
OTHER USES: This
medication 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: Take
this medication 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 this medication as prescribed even if you feel
well. Also, do not stop taking this medication without
consulting your doctor. It may take up to several
weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.
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.
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. This drug 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 this product in the elderly because they may
be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This
medication should be used only when clearly needed
during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with
your doctor. This drug 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. This drug
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.
OVERDOSE: If 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
this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical
tests may be performed to monitor your progress.
MISSED DOSE: If
you miss a 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.
STORAGE: Store at
room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and
30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
|
