Seroxat info
Why
is this medication prescribed?
Paroxetine (Paxil) is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive
disorders, panic attacks, social anxiety disorder, generalized
anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Paroxetine
controlled-release (Paxil CR) is used to treat depression
and panic attacks. Paroxetine is in a class of medications
called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
It works by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances
in the brain.
How should this medicine be used?
Paroxetine
comes as a tablet, suspension, and controlled-release (long-acting)
tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once daily
in the morning and may be taken with or without food. Follow
the directions on your prescription label carefully, and
ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do
not understand. Take paroxetine exactly as directed. Do
not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed
by your doctor.
Shake
the suspension well before using.
Swallow
the controlled-release tablets whole; do not split, chew,
or crush them.
Continue
to take paroxetine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking
paroxetine without talking to your doctor, especially if
you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor
will probably want to decrease your dose gradually. This
drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its
full effect is felt.
Other uses for this medicine
Paroxetine
is also used occasionally to treat headaches, diabetic leg
pain, and premature ejaculation. Talk to your doctor about
the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
This
medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor
or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before
taking paroxetine,
*
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to paroxetine
or any other drugs.
* tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and
nonprescription drugs you are taking or have taken within
the last 2 weeks, especially anticoagulants [warfarin (Coumadin)];
antidepressants; antihistamines; cimetidine (Tagamet); digoxin
(Lanoxin); levodopa (Sinemet, Larodopa); lithium (Eskalith,
Lithobid); MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine
(Parnate)]; medication for high blood pressure, seizures,
Parkinson's disease, asthma, colds, or allergies; muscle
relaxants; phenobarbital; procyclidine (Kemadrin); sedatives;
sleeping pills; sumatriptan (Imitrex); theophylline (Theo-Dur);
thioridazine (Mellaril); thyroid medications; tranquilizers;
tryptophan; and vitamins.
* tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma;
an enlarged prostate; difficulty urinating; seizures; an
overactive thyroid gland; or liver, kidney, or heart disease.
* tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant,
or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking
paroxetine, call your doctor immediately.
* if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell
the doctor or dentist that you are taking paroxetine.
* you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do
not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how
this drug affects you.
* remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused
by this drug.
* tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette
smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.
* plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight
and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Paroxetine may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.
What
should I do if I forget a dose?
If
you take paroxetine once a day in the morning, take the
missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is
almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
continue your regular dosing schedule. If you take paroxetine
once a day at bedtime and do not remember to take it until
the next morning, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double
dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Side
effects from paroxetine are common, and include:
*
upset stomach
* drowsiness
* weakness or tiredness
* excitement or anxiety
* insomnia
* nightmares
* dry mouth
* changes in appetite or weight
Tell
your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not
go away:
*
constipation
* difficulty urinating
* frequent urination
* blurred vision
* changes in sex drive or ability
* excessive sweating
If
you experience any of the following symptoms, call your
doctor immediately:
*
jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
* slow or difficult speech
* shuffling walk
* persistent fine tremor or inability to sit still
* fever, chills, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms
* difficulty breathing or swallowing
* severe skin rash
* yellowing of the skin or eyes
* irregular heartbeat
What
storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
Keep
this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed,
and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature
and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer
needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal
of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In
case of overdose, call your local poison control center
at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not
breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms
of overdose may include:
*
drowsiness
* coma
* upset stomach
* tremor
* rapid pounding or irregular heartbeat
* confusion
* vomiting
* dizziness
* seizures
* fainting
* blurred vision
* yellowing of the skin and eyes
* seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating)
* difficulty urinating
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