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Common uses
This medicine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety disorder (social phobia) and generalized anxiety disorders (GAD). SSRIs work by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain (neurotransmitters). Paroxetine may also be used to treat a variety of other conditions as determined by your doctor including severe premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), sexual problems in men (premature ejaculation), nerve problems associated with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), chronic headaches, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Before using
Do not take this medicine if you are also taking another paroxetine-containing product; fenfluramine; dexfenfluramine; astemizole; terfenadine; clozapine; thioridazine; selegiline; sibutramine; tramadol; or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (maois) including furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, or tranylcypromine.
Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking aripiprazole, cyproheptadine, lithium, metoclopramide, weight-loss medicines, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen, atomoxetine, risperidone, "triptan" medicines for migraines such as sumatriptan, trazodone, or tricyclic antidepressants.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including seizures, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Store this medicine at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted.
Continue to take this medicine even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of this medicine and you are taking it in the morning, take it during the afternoon if you remember. If you do not remember until the next morning, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose and you are taking 1 dose daily at bedtime and do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
Do not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. At least 1 to 2 weeks, and sometimes up to 4 weeks, may pass before this medicine reaches its full effect. This medicine is not recommended for use in children or adolescents under 18 years of age.
It is important that all patients, including those under 18, consult with their doctor before stopping this medicine. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. Side effects may occur if this medicine is suddenly stopped. Additional monitoring of your condition is recommended at the start of treatment with this medicine and whenever a change to your dose is made. If you experience anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, impulsive feelings, severe restlessness, or worsening of depression contact your doctor as soon as possible. These may be signs that your condition is worsening or that your treatment with this medicine should be evaluated. If you are a parent or caregiver of a patient that is taking this medicine, it is important for you to watch for these symptoms. Contact the doctor as soon as possible if any of these symptoms occur. Contact your doctor for more information.
This medicine may cause drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine.
For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible side effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include nervousness, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dry mouth, sweating, dizziness, lightheadedness, or changes in sexual function. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience mental or mood changes, seizures, unusual bleeding or bruising, thoughts of hurting yourself, or worsening of depression. For men: if you experience a prolonged, painful erection, stop using this medicine and seek immediate medical attention or permanent problems could occur. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, severe drowsiness, confusion, fast heartbeat, dilated pupils, and loss of consciousness.
Additional information
Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed.
Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.
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