PAROXETINE

Brand & Generic Names

Paxil

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Antidepressant

Uses

Treats mental depression.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet--Swallow with liquid.

When to take:
At the same time each day, usually in the morning.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Helps brain maintain normal levels of serotonin, a chemical necessary for transmission of nerve impulses.

Time lapse before drug works:
1 to 4 weeks.

Don't take with:
Any other prescription or non-prescription drug without consulting your doctor.
See Interaction section and consult doctor.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, heart rhythm disturbances, dilated pupils.

WHAT TO DO:

Dial 911 (emergency) or 0 (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• See EMERGENCY information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see previous section.

Common:

Weakness, sweating, nausea, sleepiness, dry mouth, dizziness, insomnia, tremor, male ejaculatory problems, male genital disorders, constipa- tion, diarrhea.

Infrequent:

Anxiety, nervousness, decreased appetite.

Rare:

Blurred vision.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You are allergic to paroxetine.
• You currently take (or have taken in the last 2 weeks) a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor*.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have a history of seizure disorders.
• If you have thoughts of suicide.
• If you have kidney or liver disease.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons. You may need smaller dosages for shorter periods of time.

Pregnancy:
Studies inconclusive on danger to unborn child. Decide with your doctor whether drug benefits justify risk to unborn child.

Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.

Infants & children:
Safety and effectiveness not yet determined.

Prolonged use:
No problems expected. Your doctor should periodically evaluate your response to the drug and adjust the dosage if necessary.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take other medicines affecting alertness and reflexes such as anti- histamines, tranquilizers, sedatives, pain medicine, narcotics and mind-altering drugs.

Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without consulting doctor. Dose may require gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long time. Doses of other drugs may also require adjustment.

Others:
Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
-------------------------	-----------------------
Antidepressants*, other	Increased effects of both drugs.
Cimetidine	Increased levels of paroxetine in blood.
Digoxin	Decreased digoxin effect.
Flecainide	Increased effects of both drugs.
Lithium	Unknown effect. Consult doctor.
MAO Inhibitors*	Can cause a life-threatening reaction.
	Avoid.
Phenothiazines	Increased effects of both drugs.
Phenytoin	Decreased effect of phenytoin.
Propafenone	Increased effects of both drugs.
Quinidine	Increased effects of both drugs.
Tryptophan	Increased likelihood of dizziness,
	headache, nausea, sweating. Avoid.
Warfarin	Increased risk of bleeding.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Possible toxicity of both drugs. Avoid.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	Effects unknown. Avoid.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	Effects unknown. Avoid.
Tobacco:	None expected.