Paxil

Pronunciation: par-OX-e-teen
Generic Name: Paroxetine
Brand Name: Paxil

Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in children, teenagers, and young adults. However, depression and certain other mental problems may also increase the risk of suicide. Talk with the patient's doctor to be sure that the benefits of using Paxil outweigh the risks.

Families and caregivers must closely watch patients who take Paxil. It is important to keep in close contact with the patient's doctor. Tell the doctor right away if the patient has symptoms like worsened depression, suicidal thoughts, or changes in behavior. Discuss any questions with the patient's doctor.

Paxil is used for:

Treating depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It may be used to treat panic disorder or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It may also be used to treat generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Paxil is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by restoring the balance of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain, which helps to improve certain mood problems.

Do NOT use Paxil if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Paxil


• you are taking or have taken linezolid, methylene blue, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine), selegiline, or St. John's wort within the last 14 days


• you are taking a fenfluramine derivative (eg, dexfenfluramine), nefazodone, pimozide, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) (eg, venlafaxine), another SSRI (eg, fluoxetine), sibutramine, thioridazine, or tryptophan

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Video: Treatment for Depression

Treatments for depression are getting better everyday and there are things you can start doing right away.

Before using Paxil:

Some medical conditions may interact with Paxil. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic-depression), other mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse


• if you have a history of seizures, heart problems, liver problems, severe kidney problems, stomach or bowel bleeding, narrow-angle glaucoma, diabetes, or metabolism problems


• if you are dehydrated, have low blood sodium levels, or drink alcohol


• if you will be having electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Paxil. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Anorexiants (eg, phentermine), cimetidine, fenfluramine derivatives (eg, dexfenfluramine), fentanyl, linezolid, lithium, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), methylene blue, metoclopramide, nefazodone, selegiline, serotonin 5-HT₁ receptor agonists (eg, sumatriptan), sibutramine, SNRIs (eg, venlafaxine), another SSRI (eg, fluoxetine), St. John's wort, tramadol, trazodone, or tryptophan because severe side effects, such as a reaction that may include fever, rigid muscles, blood pressure changes, mental changes, confusion, irritability, agitation, delirium, or coma, may occur


• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because the risk of bleeding, including stomach bleeding, may be increased


• Diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because the risk of low blood sodium levels may be increased


• Antiarrhythmics (eg, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine), astemizole, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine, thioridazine), or terfenadine because severe heart problems, including irregular heartbeat, may occur


• Cyproheptadine, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), phenobarbital, or phenytoin because they may decrease Paxil's effectiveness


• Aripiprazole, atomoxetine, clozapine, fluoxetine, pimozide, procyclidine, risperidone, theophylline, or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Paxil


• Digoxin or tamoxifen because their effectiveness may be decreased by Paxil

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Paxil may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Paxil:

Use Paxil as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Paxil comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Paxil refilled.


• Take Paxil by mouth with or without food.


• Some brands of Paxil should be swallowed whole, and should not be crushed or chewed. If you cannot swallow Paxil whole, check with your pharmacist to see if your brand of Paxil can be crushed.


• Taking Paxil at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.


• Continue to take Paxil even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.


• Do not suddenly stop taking Paxil without checking with your doctor. Side effects may occur. They may include mental or mood changes, numbness or tingling of the skin, dizziness, confusion, headache, trouble sleeping, or unusual tiredness. You will be closely monitored when you start Paxil and whenever a change in dose is made.


• If you miss a dose of Paxil, take it as soon as possible. If it almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Paxil.

Important safety information:

• Paxil may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Paxil with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.


• Check with your doctor before you use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Paxil; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.


• Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Paxil.


• Several weeks may pass before your symptoms get better. Do NOT take more than the recommended dose, change your dose, or use Paxil for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.


• Children, teenagers, and young adults who take Paxil may be at increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. Closely watch all patients who take Paxil. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.


• If your doctor tells you to stop taking Paxil, you will need to wait for several weeks before beginning to take certain other medicines (eg, MAOIs, nefazodone). Ask your doctor when you should start to take your new medicines after you have stopped taking Paxil.


• Paxil may rarely cause a prolonged, painful erection. This could happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems such as impotence. Contact your doctor right away if this happens.


• Serotonin syndrome is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Paxil. Your risk may be greater if you take Paxil with certain other medicines (eg, "triptans," MAOIs). Symptoms may include agitation; confusion; hallucinations; coma; fever; fast or irregular heartbeat; tremor; excessive sweating; and nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.


• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Paxil. Your risk may be greater if Paxil is used with certain other medicines called antipsychotics (eg, aripiprazole, risperidone). Symptoms may be similar to serotonin syndrome and may include fever, rigid muscles, blood pressure changes, and mental changes. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.


• Paxil may affect fertility in some men. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.


• Use Paxil with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially low blood sodium levels.


• Caution is advised when using Paxil in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions.


• Paxil should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.


• Paxil may cause weight changes. CHILDREN and teenagers may need regular weight and growth checks while they take Paxil.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Paxil may cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of taking Paxil while you are pregnant. Paxil is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you take Paxil, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Paxil:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Anxiety; blurred vision; constipation; decreased sexual desire or ability; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; gas; increased sweating; increased urination; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; numbness or tingling of the skin; stomach upset; trouble sleeping; weakness; yawning.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bizarre behavior; black or bloody stools; chest pain; confusion; decreased concentration; decreased coordination; exaggerated reflexes; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; memory loss; new or worsening mental or mood changes (eg, agitation, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, restlessness, or inability to sit still); persistent or severe ringing in the ears; persistent, painful erection; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent anxiety or trouble sleeping; severe or persistent headache or dizziness; significant weight loss; stomach pain; suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor; unusual bone pain or unexplained swelling, tenderness, or bruising; unusual bruising or bleeding; ; unusual weakness; vision changes; worsening of depression.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Paxil side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include coma; confusion; dilated pupils; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; inability to urinate; seizures; severe muscle pain; severe or persistent dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, or vomiting; tremor; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

Proper storage of Paxil:

Store Paxil at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Paxil out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Paxil, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Paxil is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is summary only. It does not contain all information about Paxil. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Paxil resources

• Paxil Side Effects (in more detail)
• Paxil Dosage
• Paxil Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Paxil Drug Interactions
• Paxil Support Group
• 195 Reviews for Paxil - Add your own review/rating

• Paxil Consumer Overview


• Paxil Monograph (AHFS DI)


• Paxil Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Paxil Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Paroxetine Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)


• Paroxetine Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Paxil CR Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Pexeva Prescribing Information (FDA)

Compare Paxil with other medications

• Anxiety
• Anxiety and Stress
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder
• Depression
• Dysautonomia
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Hot Flashes
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Postpartum Depression
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Trichotillomania