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Paroxetine >>
Consumer Information
CONSUMER INFORMATION
Paroxetine CAS number 61869-08-7
WARNING: Antidepressant
medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression
and other mental/mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal
thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, studies
have shown that a small number of people (especially people younger than 25)
who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening
depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts.
Therefore, it is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and
benefits of antidepressant medication (especially for people younger than
25), even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition.
USES: Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD),
anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a severe form of
premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder).
SSRIs work by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances
in the brain (neurotransmitters such as serotonin). Paroxetine may improve
your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level and may help restore your
interest in daily living. It may decrease anxiety/unreasonable fears,
persistent/troubling thoughts (obsessions), and unwanted urges that keep
returning (compulsions). It may decrease the number and severity of panic
attacks. Paroxetine may lessen premenstrual symptoms such as irritability,
increased appetite, and depression.
HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist
before you start using paroxetine and each time you get a refill. If you
have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as
directed by your doctor. This medication may make you either sleepy or
wakeful. Therefore, depending on how this medication affects you, your
doctor may direct you to take the entire dose once daily in either the
morning or evening. Swallow the medication whole. Do not crush or chew this
medication.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To
reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may start you at a low dose
and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions
carefully. Do not take more or less medication or take it more frequently
than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster and your risk of
side effects will increase. Use this medication regularly in order to get
the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each
day.
If you are taking paroxetine for premenstrual problems, your doctor may
direct you to take it every day of the month or just for the 2 weeks before
your period through the first full day of your period.
It is important to continue taking this medication as prescribed even if you
feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without first consulting your
doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, trouble sleeping, loss
of appetite, weakness, tiredness, dry mouth, sweating, yawning, or headache
may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor
promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she
has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side
effects occur: unusual or severe mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation,
thoughts of suicide), shakiness (tremor), restlessness, inability to keep
still, decreased interest in sex, changes in sexual ability, blurred vision,
numbness/tingling.
This medication may rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin
syndrome. The risk increases when this medication is used with certain other
drugs such as "triptans" used to treat migraine headaches (e.g., sumatriptan,
eletriptan), certain antidepressants including other SSRIs (e.g., citalopram,
fluoxetine) and SNRIs (e.g., duloxetine, venlafaxine), lithium, tramadol,
tryptophan, or a certain drug to treat obesity (sibutramine). Before taking
this drug, tell your doctor if you take any of these medications. Serotonin
syndrome may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of any of
these medications. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop some of
the following symptoms: hallucinations, unusual restlessness, loss of
coordination, fast heartbeat, severe dizziness, unexplained fever, severe
nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitchy muscles.
For males, in the very unlikely event you have a painful or prolonged
erection lasting 4 or more hours, stop using this drug and seek immediate
medical attention, or permanent problems could occur.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek
immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic
reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble
breathing.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking paroxetine, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical
history, especially of: personal or family history of
bipolar/manic-depressive disorder, personal or family history of suicide
attempts, liver problems, kidney problems, low sodium in the blood, severe
loss of body water (dehydration), seizures, stomach/intestinal ulcers,
glaucoma (narrow-angle type).
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Use caution while driving, using
machinery, or doing any other activity that requires alertness. Avoid
alcoholic beverages.
Caution is advised when using this product in the elderly because they may
be more sensitive to its effects. The elderly are more likely to lose too
much salt (hyponatremia), especially if they are also taking "water pills"
(diuretics) with this medication.
This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an
unborn baby. Also, babies born to mothers who have used this drug during the
last 3 months of pregnancy may infrequently develop withdrawal symptoms such
as feeding/breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness, or constant
crying. If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn, tell the doctor
promptly.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your
usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature at or below 77 degrees F (25
degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep
all medicines away from children and pets.
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