Paroxetine ®

Paroxetine belongs to the class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is used for the treatment of depression, panic disorder, social phobia, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (mood changes before menstruation). It works by affecting the balance of chemicals in the brain that are associated with depression and anxiety disorders. It may take several weeks before the full beneficial effects of this medication are achieved.

 

Paroxetine®
Product Qty Price Shipping Buy Now
Buy
Buy
Buy
Buy

Paroxetine®

How does this medication work? What will it do for me?

Paroxetine belongs to the class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is used for the treatment of depression, panic disorder, social phobia, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (mood changes before menstruation). It works by affecting the balance of chemicals in the brain that are associated with depression and anxiety disorders. It may take several weeks before the full beneficial effects of this medication are achieved.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use this medication?

The recommended adult dose of paroxetine ranges from 20 mg to 60 mg once daily in the morning, with or without food. The dose depends on the individual and on the condition being treated. Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew it.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor, as some people experience physical symptoms when stopping the medication suddenly. Your doctor may want you to decrease the dose of the medication gradually when it is time to stop taking paroxetine.

It is important that this medication be taken on a regular schedule exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What form(s) does this medication come in?

Apo®-Paroxetine is available as a tablet in strengths of 10 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg.

10 mg: Type: tablet. Appearance: bright yellow, oval, bisected, film-coated. Markings: "APO" engraved on one side and "10" on the other. Active ingredient: 10 mg of paroxetine.

20 mg: Type: tablet. Appearance: pink, oval, bisected, film-coated. Markings: "APO" engraved on one side and "20" on the other. Active ingredient: 20 mg of paroxetine.

30 mg: Type: tablet. Appearance: blue, oval, bisected, film-coated. Markings: "APO" engraved on one side and "30" on the other. Active ingredient: 30mg of paroxetine.

 

Who should NOT take this medication?

Paroxetine should not be used by anyone who:

  • has an allergy to paroxetine or any ingredients of the medication

  • is taking a MAO inhibitor (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine, moclobemide) or has taken a MAO inhibitor within the past 2 weeks

  • takes thioridazine

  • takes pimozide

What side effects are possible with this medication?

Many medications can cause side effects.

A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported with a frequency at least 1% by people taking this medication.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

  • anxiety or nervousness

  • blurred vision or other vision changes

  • back pain

  • change in sense of taste

  • constipation

  • decreased or increased appetite

  • decreased sexual desire or ability

  • diarrhea

  • dizziness

  • drowsiness

  • dryness of mouth

  • flatulence

  • flu-like symptoms

  • headache

  • increased sweating

  • nausea

  • problems with urination

  • stomach discomfort or pain

  • tingling, burning, or prickling sensations

  • trembling or shaking

  • trouble sleeping

  • unusual tiredness or weakness

  • vomiting

  • yawning

  • weight loss or gain

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

  • absence of or decrease in body movements

  • agitation

  • chest pain

  • difficulty speaking

  • erection without sexual stimulation accompanied by pain or tenderness

  • fast or irregular heartbeat

  • inability to move eyes

  • incomplete, sudden, or unusual body or facial movements

  • low blood sodium (confusion, seizures, drowsiness, dryness of mouth, increased thirst, lack of energy)

  • muscle pain or weakness

  • red or purple patches on skin

  • serotonin syndrome - a condition characterized by the following symptoms:

    • confusion

    • diarrhea

    • fever

    • poor coordination

    • restlessness

    • shivering

    • sweating

    • trembling or shaking

    • twitching

  • skin rash

  • talking, feeling, and acting with excitement and activity you cannot control

  • feelings of paranoia

  • seizures



© 2004-2007