In this Article

• What is paroxetine (Paxil)?
• What are the possible side effects of paroxetine (Paxil)?
• What is the most important information I should know about paroxetine (Paxil)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking paroxetine (Paxil)?
• How should I take paroxetine (Paxil)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Paxil)?
• What happens if I overdose (Paxil)?
• What should I avoid while taking paroxetine (Paxil)?
• What other drugs will affect paroxetine (Paxil)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking paroxetine (Paxil)?

Do not take paroxetine together with pimozide (Orap), thioridazine (Mellaril), linezolid (Zyvox), methylene blue (Urolene Blue), or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

You must wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAO inhibitor before you can take paroxetine. After you stop taking paroxetine, you must wait at least 14 days before you start taking an MAOI.

To make sure you can safely take paroxetine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• liver or kidney disease;
• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
• seizures or epilepsy;
• narrrow-angle glaucoma; or
• bipolar disorder (manic depression), or a history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts.

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Tell your doctor if you have worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.

Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.

FDA pregnancy category D. Paroxetine may cause heart defects or serious lung problems in a newborn if you take the medication during pregnancy. However, you may have a relapse of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking paroxetine, do not stop taking the medication without first talking to your doctor.

Paroxetine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take paroxetine (Paxil)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

You may take paroxetine with or without food. Try to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole. Breaking or opening the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure the liquid with a special dose measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

It may take up to 4 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment.

You may have withdrawal symptoms (such as agitation, dizziness, numbness or tingling, ringing in your ears, confusion, or behavior changes) after you stop taking paroxetine. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without first talking to your doctor.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.