Paroxetine, Paxil, drug information, antidepressant, SSRI

Affects serotonin, one of the chemicals in the brain called neurotransrnitters, that plays a role in emotions and psychological disturbances.
CNS activity - serotonin agonist

Time lapse before drug works: 1 to 4 weeks.

Don't take Paxil with

	Any other medication without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
	Any monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor or within 14 days of stopping one. To do so may result in a serious or fatal reaction.

Dosage

Common initial dose - 20 mg daily
Usual maximal dose - 60 mg

Overdose

Symptoms: Vomiting, severe drowsiness, heart rhythm disturbances, dilated pupils, severe mouth dryness.

What To Do: Dial 911 (emergency) or 0 (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.

Interactions

Possible Adverse Reactions Or Side Effects
Symptoms	What To Do
Life-threatening: Rash, itchy skin, breathing difficulty (allergic reaction); chest pain.	Seek emergency treatment immediately.
Common: Weakness, sweating, nausea, sleepiness, dry mouth, dizziness, insomnia, tremor, male ejaculatory problems, male genital disorders, constipation, diarrhea, problems urinating, vomiting.	Continue medication. Call doctor when convenient.
Infrequent: Anxiety, nervousness, decreased or increased appetite, decreased libido, heart palpitations, taste changes, weight loss or gain.	Continue medication. Call doctor when convenient.
Rare: Blurred vision.	Continue medication. Call doctor when convenient.
Mania symptoms.	Discontinue medication. Call doctor right away.

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

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

	You are allergic to paroxetine.
	You are taking astemizole, cisapride or terfenadine.
	You currently take (or have taken in the last 2 weeks) a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor

Before you start paxil, consult your doctor if any of the following applies:

	You have a history of seizure disorders.
	You have thoughts of suicide.
	You have kidney or liver disease.
	You have a history of drug abuse or mania.

Miscellaneous

	Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine.
	Consult doctor if the following symptoms appear after you discontinue the drug: dizziness, lightheartedness, agitation, confusion, restlessness, vision changes, insomnia, headache, muscle aches, runny nose, unusual tiredness or weakness, nausea or vomiting.
	If you are breast feeding, please note that the drug passes into milk. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.

Interactions

Possible Interaction With Other Drugs
Generic Name Or Drug Class	Combined Effect
Anticoagulants, oral	Increased risk of bleeding.
Antidepressants, other	Increased effects of both drugs.
Cimetidine	Increased levels of paroxetine in blood.
Doxfenfluramine	May cause serotonin syndrome. Avoid.
Digoxin	Decreased digoxin effect.
Lithium	Unknown effect. Consult doctor.
Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors	Can cause a life- threatening reaction. Avoid.
Phenytoin	Decreased effect of phenytoin.
Selegiline	Increased risk of adverse effects. May lead to convulsions and hypertensive crisis. Let 14 days elapse between taking the 2 drugs.

Possible Interaction With Other Substances
Interacts With	Combined Effect
Alcohol	Contributes to depression. Avoid.
Cocaine	Effects unknown. Avoid.
Marijuana	Effects unknown. Avoid.

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