Paxil Drug Info
Paxil Drug Uses: Paxil is indicated for the management of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, panic disorders, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
How to Use Paxil: Paxil is given as a single daily dose, usually in the morning. As with all anti-depressants, the full effect may not occur until after a few weeks of therapy. Doses for obsessive- compulsive disorders and panic disorders are often higher than those for depression. Doses often are adjusted to find the optimal dose. Elderly patients, debilitated persons, and patients with certain kidney or liver diseases may need lower doses because they metabolize and eliminate paroxetine more slowly and, therefore, are prone to develop high blood levels.
Paxil Precautions: Paxil is approved for continuous or intermittent therapy for premenstrual dysphoric disorder. For intermittent therapy, women take Pacil CR once daily during only the two-week period prior to the onset of their menstrual cycle rather than throughout the month. There are no adequate studies of Paxil in pregnant women. It is not known if Paxil is secreted in breast milk.
Paxil Drug Interactions: All SSRIs, including paroxetine, should not be taken with any of the MAO (mono-amine oxidase) inhibitor-class of anti-depressants, for example, isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and procarbazine (Matulane). Such combinations may lead to confusion, high blood pressure, tremor, and increased activity. This same type of interaction may also occur with selegiline (Eldepryl), fenfluramine (Pondimin), and dexfenfluramine (Redux). The anti-ulcer medication, cimetidine (Tagamet) can increase the amount of paroxetine in the blood, possibly leading to side effects. Paroxetine may increase the risk of bleeding in patients taking warfarin (Coumadin) although the mechanism for the interaction is not known. Tryptophan can cause headaches, nausea, sweating, and dizziness when taken with any SSRI. Phenytoin (Dilantin) and phenobarbital may decrease the amount of paroxetine in the body and possibly reducing its effectiveness.
Paxil Possible Side Effects: The most commonly noted side effects associated with Paxil are anxiety, sweating, nausea, decreased appetite, somnolence (sleepiness), dizziness, insomnia, and male sexual disturbances. Dry mouth occurs in about 18% of patients taking paroxetine. The withdrawal of treatment with many anti-depressants has been associated with troublesome symptoms. Symptoms have been particularly frequent with anti-depressants, like paroxetine, classified as SSRI's. Specifically, the incidence of symptoms upon withdrawal is between 17% and 30% with paroxetine and fluvoxamine (Luvox), but less than 5% with other SSRI's. The most common symptoms of withdrawal have been dizziness, tiredness, tingling of the extremities, nausea, vivid dreams, irritability, and poor mood. Other symptoms have included visual disturbances and headaches. Withdrawal reactions have been reported upon withdrawing SSRI's after an average of 12 to 36 weeks of treatment, but after as few as 5 weeks. Although most authorities have recommended that treatment be discontinued by tapering the SSRI (by gradually reducing the dose), symptoms have occurred despite tapering. Symptoms generally appear within a few days of discontinuing medication and persist for an average of 12 days (up to 21 days). They are relieved within 24 hours by re-administering the medication that was discontinued. It has been suggested that SSRIs may cause depression to worsen and even lead to suicide in a small number of patients. These potential side effects are difficult to evaluate in depressed patients because depression can progress with or without treatment, and suicide is itself a consequence of depression. Moreover, the evidence supporting these potential side effects is weak. Therefore, no conclusions can yet be drawn about the relationship between SSRIs and worsening depression and suicide. Until better information is available, patients receiving SSRIs should be monitored for worsening depression and suicidal tendencies.
Paxil Overdose: Seek emergency medical attention immediately if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of Paxil overdose include: dizziness, insomnia, and male sexual disturbances.
Paxil Storage: Store Paxil at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Avoid excessive heat. Avoid freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispense of this medicine in a tight, light-resistant container. Do not store Paxil in the bathroom.
Paxil Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Disclaimer: The information found on this website is for informational purposes only. It does not cover all possible uses, procedures, safety measures, side effects, or drug interactions of the products. We are not responsible for the accuracy and reliability of this drug information, or any consequences arising from the use of this information. This is only general information and should not be relied on for any purpose.
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