Generic Name: paroxetine (Oral route)
par-OX-e-teen
Oral route(Tablet)
Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24, and there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. This risk must be balanced with the clinical need. Monitor patients closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. Not approved for use in pediatric patients .
Oral route(Tablet;Tablet, Extended Release;Suspension)
Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Short term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24, and there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. This risk must be balanced with the clinical need. Monitor patients closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. Not approved for use in pediatric patients .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet
- Tablet, Extended Release
- Suspension
Therapeutic Class: Antidepressant
Pharmacologic Class: Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
Uses For Paxil
Paroxetine is used to treat mental depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Paroxetine belongs to a group of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medicines are thought to work by increasing the activity of the chemical called serotonin in the brain.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before Using Paxil
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of paroxetine in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Studies have shown that some children, teenagers, and young adults think about suicide or attempt suicide when taking the medicine. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of paroxetine in the elderly. However, elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine than younger adults, and are more likely to have hyponatremia (low sodium in the blood) which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving paroxetine.
Pregnancy
|
Pregnancy Category |
Explanation |
|---|
| All Trimesters |
D |
Studies in pregnant women have demonstrated a risk to the fetus. However, the benefits of therapy in a life threatening situation or a serious disease, may outweigh the potential risk. |
Breast Feeding
Studies in women suggest that this medication poses minimal risk to the infant when used during breastfeeding.
Interactions with Medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Clorgyline
- Furazolidone
- Iproniazid
- Isocarboxazid
- Linezolid
- Methylene Blue
- Metoclopramide
- Moclobemide
- Nialamide
- Pargyline
- Phenelzine
- Pimozide
- Procarbazine
- Rasagiline
- Selegiline
- Thioridazine
- Toloxatone
- Tranylcypromine
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Abciximab
- Aceclofenac
- Acemetacin
- Acenocoumarol
- Alclofenac
- Almotriptan
- Ancrod
- Anisindione
- Antithrombin III Human
- Apazone
- Ardeparin
- Aspirin
- Benoxaprofen
- Bivalirudin
- Bromfenac
- Bufexamac
- Carprofen
- Certoparin
- Cilostazol
- Citalopram
- Clometacin
- Clonixin
- Clopidogrel
- Dalteparin
- Danaparoid
- Defibrotide
- Dermatan Sulfate
- Desirudin
- Desvenlafaxine
- Dexfenfluramine
- Dexketoprofen
- Dextromethorphan
- Diclofenac
- Dicumarol
- Diflunisal
- Dipyridamole
- Dipyrone
- Droperidol
- Droxicam
- Duloxetine
- Eletriptan
- Enoxaparin
- Eptifibatide
- Escitalopram
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Felbinac
- Fenbufen
- Fenfluramine
- Fenoprofen
- Fentanyl
- Fentiazac
- Floctafenine
- Flufenamic Acid
- Fluoxetine
- Flurbiprofen
- Fluvoxamine
- Fondaparinux
- Frovatriptan
- Haloperidol
- Heparin
- Ibuprofen
- Indomethacin
- Indoprofen
- Isoxicam
- Ketoprofen
- Ketorolac
- Lornoxicam
- Magnesium Salicylate
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Meloxicam
- Milnacipran
- Nabumetone
- Nadroparin
- Naproxen
- Naratriptan
- Nefazodone
- Nepafenac
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Oxaprozin
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Parnaparin
- Paroxetine
- Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium
- Phenindione
- Phenprocoumon
- Phenylbutazone
- Pirazolac
- Piroxicam
- Pirprofen
- Prasugrel
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Reviparin
- Rizatriptan
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Sertraline
- Sibutramine
- St John's Wort
- Sulindac
- Sumatriptan
- Suprofen
- Tamoxifen
- Tapentadol
- Tenidap
- Tenoxicam
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Ticlopidine
- Tinzaparin
- Tirofiban
- Tolmetin
- Tramadol
- Trazodone
- Tryptophan
- Vilazodone
- Warfarin
- Zolmitriptan
- Zomepirac
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Amitriptyline
- Amoxapine
- Aprepitant
- Asenapine
- Bupropion
- Cimetidine
- Clarithromycin
- Clomipramine
- Clozapine
- Cyproheptadine
- Darunavir
- Desipramine
- Dothiepin
- Doxepin
- Encainide
- Flecainide
- Fluoxetine
- Fluphenazine
- Fosamprenavir
- Fosphenytoin
- Galantamine
- Ginkgo
- Iloperidone
- Imipramine
- Lithium
- Lofepramine
- Metoprolol
- Nortriptyline
- Paliperidone
- Perhexiline
- Perphenazine
- Phenytoin
- Procyclidine
- Propafenone
- Protriptyline
- Quinidine
- Risperidone
- Ritonavir
- Tamsulosin
- Tetrabenazine
- Trimipramine
Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Other Medical Problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Bipolar disorder (mood disorder with alternating episodes of mania and depression), or risk of or
- Bleeding problems or
- Bone problems or
- Glaucoma, narrow angle or
- Hyponatremia (low sodium in the blood) or
- Mania, history of or
- Seizures, history of—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.
- Diseases affecting metabolism or diseases involving blood circulation—Caution should be used in patients with these medical problems.
- Heart disease, unstable or
- Heart attack, recent history of—The effects of paroxetine in patients with these conditions are not known.
- Kidney disease or
- Liver disease—Use with caution. Higher blood levels of paroxetine may occur, increasing the chance of side effects.
Proper Use of paroxetine
This section provides information on the proper use of a number of products that contain paroxetine. It may not be specific to Paxil. Please read with care.
Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor to benefit your condition as much as possible. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. It is very important that you read and understand this information. Be sure to ask your doctor about anything you do not understand.
Paroxetine may be taken with or without food or on a full or empty stomach. However, if your doctor tells you to take the medicine a certain way, take it exactly as directed.
You may have to take paroxetine for several weeks before you begin to feel better. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits during this time. Also, if you are taking paroxetine for depression, you will probably need to continue taking it for at least 6 months to help prevent the depression from returning.
If you are taking the oral suspension, shake the bottle well before measuring each dose. Use a small measuring cup or a measuring spoon to measure each dose. The teaspoons and tablespoons that are used for serving and eating food do not measure exact amounts.
Swallow the extended-release tablets or tablets whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
Use only the brand of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. Different brands may not work the same way.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For oral dosage form (suspension):
- For depression:
- Adults—At first, 20 milligrams (mg) (10 milliliters [mL]) once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 50 mg (25 mL) per day.
- Older adults—At first, 10 mg (5 mL) once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 40 mg (20 mL) per day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For generalized anxiety disorder:
- Adults—At first, 20 milligrams (mg) (10 milliliters [mL]) once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 50 mg (25 mL) per day.
- Older adults—At first, 10 mg (5 mL) once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 40 mg (20 mL) per day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For obsessive-compulsive disorder:
- Adults—At first, 20 milligrams (mg) (10 milliliters [mL]) once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 60 mg (30 mL) per day.
- Older adults—At first, 10 mg (5 mL) once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 40 mg (20 mL) per day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For panic disorder:
- Adults—At first, 10 milligrams (mg) (5 milliliters [mL]) once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 60 mg (30 mL) per day.
- Older adults—At first, 10 mg (5 mL) once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 40 mg (20 mL) per day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For posttraumatic stress disorder:
- Adults—At first, 20 milligrams (mg) (10 milliliters [mL]) once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 50 mg (25 mL) per day.
- Older adults—At first, 10 mg (5 mL) once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 40 mg (20 mL) per day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For social anxiety disorder:
- Adults—At first, 20 milligrams (mg) (10 milliliters [mL]) once a day, usually taken in the morning.
- Older adults—At first, 10 mg (5 mL) once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 20 mg (10 mL) per day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For oral dosage form (tablets):
- For depression:
- Adults—At first, 20 milligrams (mg) once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 50 mg per day.
- Older adults—At first, 10 mg once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 40 mg per day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For generalized anxiety disorder:
- Adults—At first, 20 milligrams (mg) once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 50 mg per day.
- Older adults—At first, 10 mg once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 40 mg per day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For obsessive-compulsive disorder:
- Adults—At first, 20 milligrams (mg) once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 60 mg per day.
- Older adults—At first, 10 mg once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 40 mg per day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For panic disorder:
- Adults—At first, 10 milligrams (mg) once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 60 mg per day.
- Older adults—At first, 10 mg once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 40 mg per day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For posttraumatic stress disorder:
- Adults—At first, 20 milligrams (mg) once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 50 mg per day.
- Older adults—At first, 10 mg once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 40 mg per day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For social anxiety disorder:
- Adults—At first, 20 milligrams (mg) once a day, usually taken in the morning.
- Older adults—At first, 10 mg once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 20 mg per day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
- For depression:
- Adults—At first, 25 milligrams (mg) once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 62.5 mg per day.
- Older adults—At first, 12.5 mg once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 50 mg per day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For panic disorder:
- Adults—At first, 12.5 milligrams (mg) once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 75 mg per day.
- Older adults—At first, 12.5 mg once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 50 mg per day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For social anxiety disorder:
- Adults—At first, 12.5 milligrams (mg) once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 37.5 mg per day.
- Older adults—At first, 12.5 mg once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 37.5 mg per day.
- Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
- For premenstrual dysphoric disorder:
- Adults—At first, 12.5 milligrams (mg) once a day, usually taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 25 mg per day.
- Older adults and children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Precautions While Using Paxil
It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to allow changes in your dose and help reduce any side effects.
Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
Do not take paroxetine within 2 weeks of taking an monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (e.g., isocarboxazid [Marplan®], phenelzine [Nardil®], selegiline [Eldepryl®], tranylcypromine [Parnate®]), linezolid (Zyvox®), or methylthioninium chloride (methylene blue). Do not take an MAO inhibitor for at least 2 weeks after taking paroxetine. If you do, you may develop extremely high blood pressure or seizures.
Do not take thioridazine (Mellaril®) while you are taking paroxetine. You should not use pimozide (Orap®) while you are taking this medicine. Using these medicines together can cause very serious heart problems.
Do not take Pexeva® tablets if you are also using Paxil® tablets. These medicines should not be taken together because both medicines contains paroxetine. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
This medicine may decrease the amount of sperm men make and affect their ability to have children. If you plan to have children, talk with your doctor before using this medicine.
Tell your doctor right away if you develop any allergic reactions, such as skin rash or hives, while taking paroxetine.
Paroxetine may cause some teenagers and young adults to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. Some people may have trouble sleeping, get upset easily, have a big increase in energy, or start to act reckless. If you or your caregiver notice any of these unwanted effects, tell your doctor right away. Let the doctor know if you or anyone in your family has bipolar disorder (manic-depressive) or has tried to commit suicide.
Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without checking first with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are using before stopping it completely. This is to decrease the chance of having discontinuation symptoms such as agitation, breathing problems, chest pain, confusion, diarrhea, dizziness or lightheadedness, fast heartbeat, headache, increased sweating, muscle pain, nausea, restlessness, runny nose, trouble in sleeping, trembling or shaking, unusual tiredness or weakness, vision changes, or vomiting.
Make sure your doctor knows about all the other medicines you are using. Paroxetine may cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)-like reactions when taken with certain medicines such as lithium, tryptophan, St. John's wort, or some pain medicines (e.g., tramadol [Ultram®], rizatriptan [Maxalt®], sumatriptan [Imitrex®], or zolmitriptan [Zomig®]). Check with your doctor first before taking any other medicines.
Check with your doctor right away if you develop the following symptoms during the first few weeks of treatment with paroxetine: inability to sit still, need to keep moving, or restlessness.
Paroxetine has not been shown to add to the effects of alcohol. However, use of alcohol is not recommended in patients who are taking paroxetine.
Paroxetine may cause some people to become drowsy or have blurred vision. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert or able to see clearly.
Hyponatremia (low sodium in the blood) may occur with this medicine. Stop using the medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have confusion, difficulty concentrating, headaches, memory problems, weakness, and unsteadiness.
This medicine may increase your risk for bleeding problems. Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking other medicines that thin the blood, such as aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents also called NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, or Motrin®), or warfarin (Coumadin®).
This medicine may increase the risk of bone fractures. Tell your doctor if you have unexplained bone pain, tenderness, swelling, or bruising. Also, ask your doctor about ways to keep your bones strong to help prevent fractures.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal (e.g., St. John's wort) or vitamin supplements.
Paxil Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common- Agitation
- chest congestion
- chest pain
- chills
- cold sweats
- confusion
- difficulty with breathing
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position
- fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
- muscle pain or weakness
- skin rash
Rare- Absence of or decrease in body movements
- bigger, dilated, or enlarged pupils (black part of the eye)
- difficulty with speaking
- inability to move the eyes
- incomplete, sudden, or unusual body or facial movements
- increased sensitivity of the eyes to light
- low blood sodium (confusion, convulsions [seizures], drowsiness, dryness of the mouth, increased thirst, or lack of energy)
- red or purple patches on the skin
- serotonin syndrome (confusion, diarrhea, fever, poor coordination, restlessness, shivering, sweating, talking and acting with excitement you cannot control, trembling or shaking, or twitching)
- talking, feeling, and acting with excitement and activity you cannot control
Incidence not known- Back, leg, or stomach pains
- bleeding gums
- blindness
- blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
- bloated, full feeling
- bloody or black, tarry stools
- bloody urine
- blue-yellow color blindness
- blurred vision
- coma
- constipation
- cough or hoarseness
- dark urine
- decreased frequency or amount of urine
- decreased vision
- depression
- difficulty opening the mouth
- difficulty with swallowing
- electric shock sensations
- epileptic seizure that will not stop
- excessive muscle tone
- eye pain
- fainting
- fixed position of the eye
- fluid-filled skin blisters
- general body swelling
- general feeling of tiredness or weakness
- headache
- high fever
- hives
- inability to move the arms and legs
- inability to sit still
- increased blood pressure
- increased sweating
- increased thirst
- incremental or ratchet-like movement of the muscle
- indigestion
- itching skin
- joint pain
- light-colored stools
- lockjaw
- loss of appetite
- loss of bladder control
- low blood pressure
- lower back or side pain
- muscle spasm, especially of the neck and back
- muscle tension or tightness
- nausea
- need to keep moving
- nosebleeds
- painful knees and ankles
- painful or difficult urination
- painful or prolonged erection of the penis
- pale skin
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- raised red swellings on the skin, the buttocks, legs, or ankles
- red, irritated eyes
- rigid muscles
- seizure or coma late in pregnancy
- sensitivity to the sun
- shortness of breath
- skin redness or soreness
- skin sores, welts, or blisters
- skin thinness
- slow heart rate
- slow movement
- slow reflexes
- sore throat
- sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
- spasms of the throat
- stiff muscles
- stomach pain
- sudden numbness and weakness in the arms and legs
- swelling of the breasts
- swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs
- swollen or painful glands
- tightness in the chest
- unexpected or excess milk flow from the breasts
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual or decreased blood cell production
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting
- weight gain
- wheezing
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose- Dizziness
- drowsiness
- flushing of the face
- irritability
- large pupils
- racing heartbeat
- trembling or shaking
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common- Acid or sour stomach
- belching
- decreased appetite
- decreased sexual ability or desire
- excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
- heartburn
- nervousness
- pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
- passing gas
- problems in urinating
- runny or stuffy nose
- sexual problems, especially ejaculatory disturbances
- sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
- stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
- sweating
- trauma
- trouble with sleeping
Less common- Abnormal dreams
- anxiety
- bladder pain
- body aches or pain
- change in sense of taste
- changes in vision
- cloudy urine
- confusion
- congestion
- difficulty in focusing the eyes
- difficulty with moving
- discouragement, feeling sad, or empty
- drugged feeling
- dryness of the throat
- excessive muscle tone
- fainting or loss of consciousness
- fast or irregular breathing
- feeling of unreality
- feeling of warmth or heat
- flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck
- frequent urge to urinate
- headache, severe and throbbing
- heavy bleeding
- increase in body movements
- increased appetite
- irritability
- itching of the vagina or genital area
- itching, pain, redness, or swelling of the eye or eyelid
- lack of emotion
- loss of interest or pleasure
- loss of memory
- lump in the throat
- menstrual changes
- menstrual pain or cramps
- muscle twitching or jerking
- pain during sexual intercourse
- problems with memory
- problems with tooth
- rhythmic movement of the muscles
- sense of detachment from self or body
- severe sunburn
- slow heartbeat
- sneezing
- thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor
- tightness in the throat
- tingling, burning, or prickling sensations
- trouble concentrating
- voice changes
- watering of the eyes
- weight loss
- yawn
After you stop using this medicine, it may still produce some side effects that need attention. During this period of time, check with your doctor immediately if you notice the following side effects:
- Actions that are out of control
- burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
- crying
- depersonalization
- diarrhea
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- dysphoria
- electric shock sensations
- euphoria
- fear
- feeling unwell or unhappy
- increased sweating
- irritability
- muscle pain
- nervousness
- paranoia
- quick to react or overreact emotionally
- rapidly changing moods
- talking, feeling, and acting with excitement
- unusual drowsiness, dullness, or feeling of sluggishness
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vision changes
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Paxil side effects (in more detail)
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More Paxil resources
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