Paxil (Paroxetine)

What is Paxil? Paxil (paroxetine) is part of a class of medications called selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Paxil is used to control the symptoms that accompany depression, anxiety, bipolar, or panic attacks in adults, young adults, and teens. Paxil is also used to control posttraumatic stress and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Paxil comes in tablet, liquid, or extended-release capsule form and is usually taken once or twice per day. It may take several weeks to feel the full effect of this medication, and it is important for people taking Paxil to cotinue use as prescribed even if they feel well.

Important Information Before Use:

Paxil will not cure your condition, but it will help control the behavior that accompanies it.
If you have or have ever had heart disease, heart failure, glaucoma, stomach or esophagus bleeding, or liver or kidney disease you should talk to your doctor before you take Paxil.
You should also mention any serious reactions you have had to other similar medications.
Tell your doctor if you have or have had any problems with addictive drugs, including street drugs and prescription medication.
Paxil may interact with other medications or supplements, including antihistamines, anticoagulants, antidepressants, antifungals, sleeping pills, St. John's Wort, pain relievers, high blood pressure medications, and more. If you are taking other prescription drugs or supplements, you should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Paxil.

Important Information During Use:

If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking Paxil, you should talk to your doctor about alternative treatments for your condition. Paxil can cause problems in newborns if taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
If Paxil upsets your stomach, you can take it with food to offset this side effect.
Paxil can make you extremely drowsy; using alcohol with Paxil can worsen this side effect.
Your surgeon or anesthesiologist needs to know that you are taking Paxil if you are having any type of surgery, including oral or dental surgery.
Paxil overdose can be deadly, and symptoms include shakiness, confusion, dizziness, seizures, irregular heartbeat, pneumonia, breathing difficulties, kidney failure, fainting, and coma.
If you experience serious or severe side effects from Paxil, you should call your doctor immediately.

Paxil Side Effects

Serious:

Confusion
Blurred vision, fainting, or weakness
Seizure
Chest pain
Hallucinations
Difficulty walking or unsteadiness
Irregular or fast heartbeat; slowed heartbeat
Abnormal bleeding, bruising, or blistering
Difficulty swallowing or breathing, tightness in the throat or neck, hoarse voice
Severe rash, itching, or hives; red dots on skin
Swelling of face, eyes, throat, or extremities
Muscle stiffness
Fever or sweating
Unusual, uncontrollable facial or body movements
Tarry, black, or bloody stools
Bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Frequent, difficult, or painful urination

Less Serious:

Drowsiness, dizziness, or yawning
Sweating and flushed skin
Feeling of nervousness or anxiety
Confusion
Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
Dry mouth
Changes in appetite or weight
Restlessness or agitation
Stomach upset, heartburn, gas, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
Headache
Pain in the joints, arms, or legs
Increased sensitivity to light
Back, muscle, or joint pain
Sore gums and teeth
Strange dreams
Change in sex drive or ability
Change in ability to taste food
Irregular or painful menstruation

Withdrawing:
You can reduce Paxil withdrawal symptoms by slowly tapering off of this medication. Do not stop taking Paxil abruptly; see your doctor before reducing or discontinuing this medication.

Possible Symptoms of Paxil Withdrawal: