Brand
name : Paxil
Pronounced: PACKS-ill
Generic name: Paroxetine hydrochloride
Other brand name: Paxil CR
Why is Paxil prescribed?
Paxil relieves a variety of emotional problems. It can be prescribed
for serious, continuing depression that interferes with your ability
to function. Symptoms of this type of depression often include changes
in appetite and sleep patterns, a persistent low mood, loss of interest
in people and activities, decreased sex drive, feelings of guilt or
worthlessness, suicidal thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and slowed
thinking.
Paxil is also used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a
disease marked by unwanted, but stubbornly persistent thoughts, or
unreasonable rituals you feel compelled to repeat.
In addition, Paxil is prescribed for panic disorder, a crippling emotional
problem characterized by sudden attacks of at least four of the following
symptoms: palpitations, sweating, shaking, numbness, chills or hot
flashes, shortness of breath, a feeling of choking, chest pain, nausea
or abdominal distress, dizziness or faintness, feelings of unreality
or detachment, fear of losing control, or fear of dying.
Paxil can be prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder, a disease
marked by excessive anxiety and worry that persists for at least 6
months and can't be easily controlled. True cases of generalized anxiety
disorder are accompanied by at least three of the following symptoms:
restlessness or a keyed-up or on-edge feeling, a tendency to tire easily,
difficulty concentrating or spells when the mind goes blank, irritability,
muscle tension, or sleep disturbance.
Paxil can be used in the treatment of social anxiety disorder (also
known as social phobia), a condition marked by shyness or stage fright
so intense that it interferes with an individual's work and social
life.
Paxil is also prescribed for post-traumatic stress disorder--a crippling
condition that sometimes develops in reaction to a disastrous or horrifying
experience. Symptoms, which stubbornly refuse to abate, include unwanted
memories and dreams, intense distress when confronted with reminders
of the event, a general numbing of interest and enjoyment, jumpiness,
irritability, poor sleep, and loss of concentration.
Paxil CR, the controlled-release version, is prescribed for major
depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and severe premenstrual
symptoms classified as premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Paxil belongs to the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors (SSRIs). Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers believed
to govern moods. Ordinarily, it is quickly reabsorbed after its release
at the junctures between nerves. Reuptake inhibitors such as Paxil
slow this process, thereby boosting the levels of serotonin available
in the brain.
Most important fact about Paxil
Your symptoms may seem to improve within 1 to 4 weeks after beginning
treatment with Paxil. Even if you feel better, continue to take Paxil
as long as your doctor tells you to do so.
How should you take Paxil?
Paxil is taken once a day, with or without food, usually in the morning.
Inform your doctor if you are taking or plan to take any prescription
or over-the-counter drugs, since they may interact unfavorably with
Paxil. Shake the oral suspension well before using. Paxil CR should
be swallowed whole; it should not be chewed or crushed.
If you miss a dose...
Skip the forgotten dose and go back to your regular schedule with
the next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you
missed.
--Storage instructions...
Paxil tablets and suspension can be stored at room temperature.
Paxil side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
whether it is safe for you to continue taking this medication.
During the first 4 to 6 weeks, you may find some side effects less
troublesome (nausea and dizziness, for example) than others (dry mouth,
drowsiness, and weakness).
* Side effects may include:
Abnormal ejaculation, abnormal orgasm, constipation, decreased appetite, decreased
sex drive, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, gas, impotence, male
and female genital disorders, nausea, nervousness, sleeplessness, sweating,
tremor, weakness, vertigo
Why should Paxil not be prescribed?
Dangerous and even fatal reactions are possible when Paxil is combined
with thioridazine (Mellaril) or drugs classified as monoamine oxidase
(MAO) inhibitors, such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate. Never
take Paxil with any of these medications, or within 2 weeks of starting
or stopping use of an MAO inhibitor. You'll also need to avoid Paxil
if it gives you an allergic reaction.
Special warnings about Paxil
Paxil should be used cautiously by people with a history of manic
disorders and those with high pressure in the eyes (glaucoma).If you
have a history of seizures, make sure your doctor knows about it. Paxil
should be used with caution in this situation. If you develop seizures
once therapy has begun, the drug should be discontinued.In clinical studies,
antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior
in children and adolescents with depression and
other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of Paxil or
any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this
risk with the clinical need. Paxil has not been studied in children
or adolescents and is not approved for treating anyone less than 18
years old.Additionally, the progression of major depression is associated
with a worsening of symptoms and/or the emergence of suicidal thinking
or
behavior in both adults and children, whether or not they are taking
antidepressants. Individuals being treated with Paxil and their caregivers
should watch for any change in symptoms or any new symptoms that appear
suddenly--especially agitation, anxiety, hostility, panic, restlessness,
extreme hyperactivity, and suicidal thinking or behavior--and report
them to the doctor immediately. Be especially observant at the beginning
of treatment or whenever there is a change in dose.
If you have a disease or condition that affects your metabolism or
blood circulation, make sure your doctor is aware of it. Paxil should
be used cautiously in this situation.
Paxil may impair your judgment, thinking, or motor skills. Do not
drive, operate dangerous machinery, or participate in any hazardous
activity that requires full mental alertness until you are sure the
medication is not affecting you in this way.
Antidepressants such as Paxil could potentially cause stomach bleeding,
especially when combined with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve),
and ketoprofen (Orudis KT). Consult your doctor before combining Paxil
with NSAIDs or blood-thinning drugs.
It's best to avoid an abrupt discontinuation of Paxil therapy. It
can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, abnormal dreams, and tingling
sensations. To prevent such problems, your doctor will reduce your
dose gradually.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Paxil
Remember that Paxil must never be combined with Mellaril or MAO inhibitors
such as Nardil and Parnate, or taken within 2 weeks of starting or
stopping an MAO inhibitor.
If Paxil is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining Paxil with any of the following:
Alcohol
Antidepressants such as Elavil, Tofranil, Norpramin, Pamelor, Prozac
Aspirin
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Diazepam (Valium)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Flecainide (Tambocor)
Lithium (Eskalith)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen
(Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and ketoprofen (Orudis KT)
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Procyclidine (Kemadrin)
Propafenone (Rythmol)
Propranolol (Inderal, Inderide)
Quinidine (Quinaglute)
Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
Theophylline (Theo-24, Uniphyl)
Tryptophan
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Paxil during pregnancy have not been adequately studied.
There have been reports of serious complications in newborns who were
exposed to Paxil late in the last 3 months of pregnancy. If you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
Paxil appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If
Paxil is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue
breastfeeding until your treatment with Paxil is finished.
Recommended dosage for Paxil
The following dosages are for adults. The safety and effectiveness
of Paxil have not been studied in children or adolescents.
DEPRESSION
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
