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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. |