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Paroxetine |
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What is Paroxetine and why is it prescribed? Paroxetine relieves a variety of emotional problems. It can be prescribed for serious, continuing depression that interferes with your ability to function. Paroxetine is also used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a disease marked by unwanted, but stubbornly persistent thoughts, or unreasonable rituals you feel compelled to repeat. In addition, Paroxetine is prescribed for panic disorder, a crippling emotional problem characterized by sudden attacks of at least four of the following symptoms: palpitations, sweating, shaking, numbness, chills or hot flashes, shortness of breath, a feeling of choking, chest pain, nausea or abdominal distress, dizziness or faintness, feelings of unreality or detachment, fear of losing control, or fear of dying. Paroxetine can be prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder, a disease marked by excessive anxiety and worry that persists for at least 6 months and can't be easily controlled. True cases of generalized anxiety disorder are accompanied by at least three of the following symptoms: restlessness or a keyed-up or on-edge feeling, a tendency to tire easily, difficulty concentrating or spells when the mind goes blank, irritability, muscle tension, or sleep disturbance. Paroxetine can be used in the treatment of social anxiety disorder, a condition marked by shyness or stage fright so intense that it interferes with an individual's work and social life. Paroxetine is also prescribed for posttraumatic stress disorder, a crippling condition that sometimes develops in reaction to a disastrous or horrifying experience. Your symptoms may seem to improve within 1 to 4 weeks after beginning treatment with Paroxetine. Even if you feel better, continue to take the medication as long as your doctor tells you to do so. How should you take Paroxetine? Follow your doctors directions for taking Paroxetine. Paroxetine is taken once a day, with or without food, usually in the morning. Inform your doctor if you are taking or plan to take any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, since they may interact unfavorably with Paroxetine. Shake the oral suspension well before using. If you miss a dose skip the forgotten dose and go back to your regular schedule with the next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you missed. Paroxetine tablets and suspension can be stored at room temperature. Are there any Paroxetine side effects? Paroxetine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Paroxetine side effects may include abnormal ejaculation, abnormal orgasm, constipation, decreased appetite, decreased sex drive, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, gas, impotence, male and female genital disorders, nausea, nervousness, sleeplessness, sweating, tremor, weakness, and vertigo. Less common Paroxetine side effects may include abdominal pain, abnormal dreams, abnormal vision, agitation, altered taste sensation, blurred vision, burning or tingling sensation, drugged feeling, emotional instability, headache, increased appetite, infection, itching, joint pain, muscle tenderness or weakness, pounding heartbeat, rash, ringing in ears, sinus inflammation, tightness in throat, twitching, upset stomach, urinary disorders, vomiting, weight gain, vertigo, and yawning. Rare Paroxetine side effects may include abnormal thinking, acne, alcohol abuse, allergic reaction, asthma, belching, blood and lymph abnormalities, breast pain, bronchitis, chills, colitis, difficulty swallowing, dry skin, ear pain, exaggerated sense of well-being, eye pain or inflammation, face swelling, fainting, generally ill feeling, hair loss, hallucinations, heart and circulation problems, high blood pressure, hostility, hyperventilation, increased salivation, increased sex drive, inflamed gums, inflamed mouth or tongue, lack of emotions, menstrual problems, migraine, movement disorders, neck pain, nosebleeds, paranoid and manic reactions, poor coordination, respiratory infections, sensation disorders, shortness of breath, skin disorders, stomach inflammation, swelling, teeth grinding, thirst, urinary disorders, vaginal inflammation, vision problems, and weight loss. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Paroxetine? If Paroxetine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Remember that Paroxetine must never be combined with Mellaril or MAO inhibitors such as Nardil and Parnate. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Paroxetine with Alcohol, Antidepressants (such as Elavil, Tofranil, Norpramin, Pamelor, and Prozac), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Diazepam (Valium), Digoxin (Lanoxin), Flecainide (Tambocor), Lithium (Eskalith), Phenobarbital, Phenytoin (Dilantin), Procyclidine (Kemadrin), Propafenone (Rythmol), Propranolol (Inderal, Inderide), Quinidine (Quinaglute), Sumatriptan (Imitrex), Tryptophan, or Warfarin (Coumadin). Are there any special warnings about Paroxetine? Paroxetine should be used cautiously by people with a history of manic disorders and those with high pressure in the eyes (glaucoma). If you have a history of seizures, make sure your doctor knows about it. Paroxetine should be used with caution in this situation. If you develop seizures once therapy has begun, the drug should be discontinued. If you have a disease or condition that affects your metabolism or blood circulation, make sure your doctor is aware of it. Paroxetine should be used cautiously in this situation. Paroxetine may impair your judgment, thinking, or motor skills. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you are sure Paroxetine is not affecting you in this way. It's best to avoid an abrupt discontinuation of Paroxetine therapy. It can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, abnormal dreams, and tingling sensations. To prevent such problems, your doctor will reduce your dose gradually. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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