Paxil

Generic equivalents for Paxil...

We also carry these generic equivalents of Paxil to help save you money.

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Paxil Prescription Drug Information

Paroxetine (By mouth)
Paroxetine (par-OX-e-teen)

Treats depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), generalized anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Paxil is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Brand Name(s):Paxil CR, Paxil, Pexeva
There may be other brand names for Paxil.

When Paxil Should Not Be Used:
You should not use Paxil if you have had an allergic reaction to paroxetine, or if you are pregnant. Do not use Paxil if you are also using linezolid (Zyvox®), pimozide (Orap®), thioridazine (Mellaril®), or have taken an MAO inhibitor (such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®) within the past 2 weeks. Paxil is not for use in children.

How to Use Paxil:
Liquid, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of Paxil to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may take Paxil with or without food. Paxil is usually taken in the morning.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Shake the bottle well before measuring each dose.
• Swallow the tablet and extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. Do not use an extended-release tablet that is cracked or chipped.
• Paxil should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.

If a dose of Paxil is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of Paxil:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid While Taking Paxil:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using cimetidine (Tagamet®), fentanyl (Sublimaze®), St. John's wort, sumatriptan (Imitrex®), theophylline (Theo-Dur®), tramadol (Ultram®), tryptophan, medicine for seizures (such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, Dilantin®, Luminal®, or Solfoton®), or any other medicine for depression (such as amitriptyline, desipramine, doxepin, fluoxetine, imipramine, lithium, nortriptyline, Aventyl®, Elavil®, Eskalith®, Lithane®, Lithobid®, Norpramin®, Pamelor®, Prozac®, Sinequan®, or Tofranil®). Tell your doctor if you use a blood thinner (such as warfarin or Coumadin®), diuretics or "water pills" (such as furosemide or Lasix®), or phenothiazine medicine (such as prochlorperazine, Compazine®, Mellaril®, Phenergan®, Thorazine®, or Trilafon®).
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using atomoxetine (Strattera®), digoxin (Lanoxin®), ketoconazole (Nizoral®), procyclidine (Kemadrin®), risperidone (Risperdal®), or tamoxifen (Nolvadex®). Also tell your doctor if you are using medicine for heart rhythm problems (such as encainide, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine, Enkaid®, Quinaglute®, Rythmol®, or Tambocor®), medicine to treat HIV or AIDS (such as fosamprenavir, ritonavir, Lexiva®, or Norvir®), or any pain or arthritis medicines (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, Aleve®, Bextra®, Celebrex®, Ecotrin®, or Motrin®.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using Paxil.

Warnings While Using Paxil:

• Using Paxil while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have a recent heart attack, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, bleeding problems, bone problems, epilepsy or seizures, low sodium in the blood, narrow angle glaucoma, or a history of mania or drug abuse.
• You may need to take Paxil for up to 4 weeks before you feel better. Keep using Paxil for the full treatment time. If you feel that the medicine is not working well, do not take more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.
• For some children, teenagers, and young adults, Paxil can increase thoughts of suicide. Tell your doctor or your child's doctor right away if you or your child start to feel more depressed and have thoughts about hurting yourselves. Report any unusual thoughts or behaviors that trouble you or your child, especially if they are new or are getting worse quickly. Make sure the doctor knows if you or your child have trouble sleeping, get upset easily, have a big increase in energy, or start to act reckless. Also tell the doctor if you or your child have sudden or strong feelings, such as feeling nervous, angry, restless, violent, or scared. Let the doctor know if you, your child, or anyone in your family has bipolar disorder (manic-depressive) or has tried to commit suicide.
• Do not stop using Paxil suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
• Paxil may cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)-like reactions when it is taken with certain medicines. Check with your doctor first before taking any other medicines.
• Check with your doctor right away if you develop the following symptoms during the first few weeks of treatment with paroxetine: inability to sit still, need to keep moving, or restlessness.
• Paxil may decrease the amount of sperm men make and affect their ability to have children. If you plan to have children, talk with your doctor before using Paxil.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using Paxil. Paxil may affect the results of certain medical tests.
• Hyponatremia (low sodium in the blood) may occur with Paxil. Stop using the medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have confusion, difficulty concentrating, headaches, memory problems, weakness, and unsteadiness.
• Paxil may increase the risk of bone fractures. Tell your doctor if you have unexplained bone pain, tenderness, swelling, or bruising. Also, ask your doctor about ways to keep your bones strong to help prevent fractures.
• Paxil may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using Paxil. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using Paxil:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Anxiety, agitation, restlessness, or mood or mental changes.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, or problems in urination.
• Changes in behavior, or thoughts of hurting yourself or others.
• Confusion, weakness, and muscle twitching.
• Extreme lightheadedness, or fainting.
• Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat.
• Fever, chills, or sore throat.
• Inability to sit still, restlessness.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• Seizures or tremors.
• Trouble sleeping or unusual dreams.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Weight loss.

If you notice these less serious side effects while taking Paxil, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred vision.
• Drowsiness or sleepiness.
• Headache.
• Loss of appetite.
• Menstrual cramps.
• Nausea, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, or upset stomach.
• Problems with sex.
• Sweating.
• Tiredness.
• Vaginal pain or discharge.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Paxil, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088