Paxil (Paroxetine)

• Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking Paxil and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider.
• The dosage of Paxil is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and other medications you may be taking. Your healthcare provider may start you at a low dose and gradually increase it to reduce the risk of side effects. Follow their instructions carefully and do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed.
• Take Paxil by mouth with or without food as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once daily in the morning. If this medication makes you sleepy during the day, talk to your healthcare provider about taking it in the evening. Taking this medication with food may decrease nausea.
• Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
• If you are taking Paxil for premenstrual problems, your healthcare provider 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.
• Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your healthcare provider. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your healthcare provider may reduce your dose gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

• Nausea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Sexual side effects
• Numbness or tingling

Paxil can cause serotonin syndrome, which is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by agitation, hallucinations, coma, and other symptoms. Patients should be monitored for symptoms of serotonin syndrome, particularly when Paxil is used in combination with other serotonergic drugs.

Paxil may cause harm to the fetus when taken during pregnancy. Consider the potential risks and benefits of Paxil use during pregnancy.

SSRIs, including Paxil, may increase the risk of bleeding, particularly when used in combination with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, or other drugs that affect coagulation.

Paxil may cause activation of mania or hypomania in patients with bipolar disorder. Close monitoring is necessary when using Paxil in patients with a history of mania/hypomania.

Abrupt discontinuation of Paxil may lead to withdrawal symptoms, including dizziness, sensory disturbances, anxiety, confusion, headache, lethargy, emotional lability, insomnia, and hypomania. Tapering the dose gradually when discontinuing Paxil is recommended.

Paxil may lower the seizure threshold, and caution should be exercised when prescribing Paxil to patients with a history of seizures or predisposing factors for seizures.

Paxil should be used with caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, as it may cause an increase in intraocular pressure.

SSRIs, including Paxil, may cause hyponatremia, particularly in elderly patients or patients taking diuretics.

There is a potential association between SSRIs and an increased risk of bone fractures. Patients at risk for osteoporosis or with a history of fractures should be monitored while taking Paxil.

Patients, especially those under the age of 24, should be closely monitored for clinical worsening, suicidal thoughts, and behaviors when starting Paxil or when the dose is adjusted. This is particularly important in the initial few months of treatment and whenever the dose is changed.

Paxil has potential interactions with other medications, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and pimozide, which can lead to serious adverse effects. Consult a healthcare provider before taking any drug in combination with Paxil.

Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance regarding the use of Paxil and its potential risks and benefits.