PAXIL
Chemical Name: PAROXETINE (pa-ROX-e-teen).
Paxil is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression, panic, attacks, obsessive
compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety disorder (social phobia) and generalized anxiety disorders (GAD).
SSRI's work by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain (neurotransmitters).
Paroxetine may also be used to treat a variety of other conditions as determined by your doctor including,
severe premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder - PMDD), sexual problems in men
(premature ejaculation), nerve problems associated with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), chronic headaches,
or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
GENERIC PAXIL functions the same way as Paxil, but at a lower cost. To learn more about generic Paxil, please
follow the information we have provided below.
Before using Generic Paxil
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this
medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are
taking. Do not take Paxil or generic Paxil if you are also taking fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine, astemizole,
terfenadine, sibutramine, tramadol, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Additional monitoring of your
dose or condition may be needed if you are taking clozapine, cyproheptadine, lithium, selegiline, or tricyclic
antidepressants. Other drugs besides paroxetine which may affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation in the
EKG) include dofetilide, pimozide, quinidine, sotalol, procainamide, and sparfloxacin among others. QTc
prolongation can infrequently result in serious, rarely fatal, irregular heartbeats. Consult your doctor or
pharmacist for details. Ask for instructions about whether you need to stop any other QTc-prolonging drugs
you may be using in order to minimize the risk of this effect. Inform your doctor of any other medical
conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
questions or concerns about taking generic Paxil.
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How to use Generic Paxil
Take
generic Paxil by mouth usually once daily in the morning, with or without food; or as directed by your doctor.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. It is important to continue taking
generic Paxil as prescribed even if you feel well. It may take up to several weeks before the full
benefit of this drug takes effect.
Store generic Paxil at room temperature, away from heat and light. Do not miss any doses. If you miss
a dose of generic Paxil and you are taking it in the morning, take it during the afternoon if you remember.
If you do not remember until the next morning, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.
If you miss a dose and you are taking 1 dose daily at bedtime and do not remember until the next day,
skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
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Cautions
At least 1 to 2 weeks, and sometimes up to 4 weeks, may pass
before generic Paxil reaches its full effect. This medicine is not recommended for use in children or adolescents
under 18 years of age. It is important that all patients, including those under 18, consult with their
doctor before stopping generic Paxil. Do not suddenly
stop taking this medicine without checking with your
doctor. Generic Paxil may cause drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could
be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this
medicine. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your
doctor.
For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using
generic Paxil during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding
while you are using generic Paxil, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
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Possible side effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment
with generic Paxil, include nervousness, trouble sleeping, headache, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, loss of appetite, dry mouth, sweating, dizziness, lightheadedness, muscle spasms, or changes in
sexual function. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. If you notice other effects
not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
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Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent
a medicine from doing its job. Check drug interactions.
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