Paxil

Paxil is an anti-depressant drug. It is used to treat depression and anxiety.

• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you will be having electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
• if you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic-depression), other mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse
• if you have a history of seizures, heart problems, liver problems, severe kidney problems, stomach or bowel bleeding, narrow-angle glaucoma, diabetes, or metabolism problems
• if you are taking a fenfluramine derivative (eg, dexfenfluramine), nefazodone, pimozide, a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) (eg, venlafaxine), sibutramine, thioridazine, or tryptophan
• if you are dehydrated, have low blood sodium levels, or drink alcohol
• if you are allergic to any ingredient in Paxil
• if you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine), selegiline, or St. John's wort within the last 14 days

Dose

Follow your doctor’s instructions closely. Paxil should be taken orally and with food and water. 
Try not to miss your dose and do not take more than it was prescribed by your prescriber. Take Paxil regularly.

Interaction with other drugs

• Diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because the risk of low blood sodium levels may be increased
• Antiarrhythmics (eg, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine), H1 antagonists (eg, astemizole, terfenadine), or phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine, thioridazine) because severe heart problems, including irregular heartbeat, may occur
• Aripiprazole, atomoxetine, clozapine, fluoxetine, pimozide, procyclidine, risperidone, theophylline, or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Paxil
• Digoxin or tamoxifen because their effectiveness may be decreased by Paxil
• Anorexiants (eg, phentermine), cimetidine, fenfluramine derivatives (eg, dexfenfluramine), linezolid, lithium, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), metoclopramide, nefazodone, selegiline, serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonists (eg, sumatriptan), sibutramine, SNRIs (eg, venlafaxine), St. John's wort, tramadol, trazodone, or tryptophan because severe side effects, such as a reaction that may include fever, rigid muscles, blood pressure changes, mental changes, confusion, irritability, agitation, delirium, and coma, may occur
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because the risk of bleeding, including stomach bleeding, may be increased
• Cyproheptadine, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), phenobarbital, or phenytoin because they may decrease Paxil 's effectiveness

Tell your doctor about all pills that you are taking

Side effects

• anxiety; extreme mood swings; difficulty concentrating; dizziness; drowsiness; fatigue; headache; light-headedness; nausea; nervousness; temporary loss of personal reality; weakness; yawning; vomiting; thoughts of hurting yourself; tremors;
• back pain; muscle pain; muscle twitch; painful period; rash; breathing problems; chest pain; pounding in the chest; heart problems;
• female genital disorders;
• flushing;  
• agitation;
• blurred vision;
• constipation; diarrhea; gas; stomach pain; urinary frequency; urination disorder;
• decreased appetite; dry mouth;
• inflamed sinuses;
• sweating;
• infection (fever, chills, sore throat); runny nose; sore throat;
• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue);
• abnormal ejaculation; decreased sex drive; difficulty reaching climax/orgasm; impotence; prolonged, painful erection;
• abnormal skin sensations;
• seizures;
• abnormal dreams;
• inability to sleep; sleepiness;
• abnormal bleeding;
• unusual bleeding or bruising.

Tell your doctor about any of mentioned above or other side effects.

Storage

Store Paxil in the original container and keep out of the reach of children and animals.