Drug Uses

Paxil is an agent in a newer class of antidepressant medication known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Depression and anxiety disorders might be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. One of these chemicals is serotonin, which helps send electrical signals from one nerve cell to another. In the process, serotonin is released from one nerve cell (the sender) and travels to the next (the receiver), where it is either absorbed or returns back to the original sender cell.

How Taken

Paxil comes as a tablet to take it orally. It is usually taken once daily and may be taken with or without food. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Continue to take Paxil even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Paxil without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will want to decrease your dose gradually. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Paxil, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, seizures or epilepsy, or a manic disorder or suicidal thoughts. You may not be able to take Paxil, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Paxil is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Paxil without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Paxil passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take Paxil without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Side Effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Paxil and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); an irregular heartbeat or pulse; low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness); high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision); unusual bleeding or bruising; or fever or chills. Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Paxil and talk to your doctor if you experience headache; tremor, nervousness, or anxiety; nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite or weight; sleepiness or insomnia; or decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature between 20-25°C (68-77°F).

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of a Paxil overdose include nausea, vomiting, tremor, seizures, agitation, drowsiness, hyperactivity, and enlarged pupils.

More Information

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Paxil may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness or dizziness while taking Paxil.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.

Other info about Paxil-cr at Wikipedia.org and other resources:

Announcement of Basic Agreement Concerning Co-Promotion of Anti-Depressant Paxil CR Tablets
TOKYO, Jan 19, 2012 - GlaxoSmithKline K.K. (President: Philippe Fauchet, Head Office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter referred to as GSK) and Dainippon Sumitimo Pharma Co, Ltd. (President: Masayo Tada, Head Office: Chuo-ku, Osaka, hereinafter... (Source: Drugs.com - Pharma News)

PAXIL (Paroxetine Hydrochloride) Tablet, Film Coated [Physicians Total Care, Inc.]
Updated Date: Jan 13, 2012 EST (Source: DailyMed Drug Label Updates for the last seven days (since May 20, 2007 EST))

Antidepressants Increase Risk for Nursing Home Falls in Patients With Dementia
Nursing home patients with dementia who were taking a class of antidepressants called serotonin reuptake inhibitors - which includes such drugs as Prozac, Paxil, Lexapro, Zoloft and Celexa - were three times more likely to experience a fall than other dementia patients, according to a new study out of the Netherlands....Read Full Post (Source: About.com Depression)

Side Effects of Paxil and Xanax
These two updated resource list the common to rare side effects of Paxil (generic paroxetine) and Xanax (generic alprazolam). The two articles also inform you about the symptoms of withdrawal and overdose for these drugs, and which side effects and symptoms mean you urgently need to contact a doctor. Paxil is an antidepressant in the SSRI class, and Xanax is an anti-anxiety medication, one of the benzodiazepines. Paxil / Paroxetine Side Effects Xanax / Alprazolam Side Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Learn more or join the conversation! NEWSLETTER | FORUM | BIO | FACEBOOK | TWITTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Side Effects of Paxil and Xanax originally appeared on Ab...

Celexa / Citalopram Maximum Dosage Cut from 60 to 40mg - What Will That Mean to You?
Back in August I wrote about the FDA's warning to reduce the maximum dose of Celexa - generic citalopram - because the higher dose has been associated with heart rhythm problems. My readers have been discussing the issue and asking questions about how it will affect them and their loved ones. Emma says citalopram is doing very well to control her anxiety and intrusive thoughts at 60mg. Dropping the dose to 40mg, she wrote, will be "a 30% reduction in my antidepressant, and I have no idea how this is going to affect me." Korey mentioned that heart issues run strongly in her mother's family so she is really worried that her mom and sister take 60mg. "I'm glad they're gonna talk to their doctors about it," she said. One of the dangers of reducing the dosage of Celexa or citalopram is that ...