|
Paxil / ParoxetineProper use of this medication: * This medication is not addictive, and does not cause a 'high' feeling. * Take this medication exactly as directed. Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than prescribed. Do not miss any doses. * If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. * When taken regularly, this medication may require 2-4 weeks before the full effects are noticed. * Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. * If there is a possibility you may become pregnant or breast-feed while on this medication, first consult with your psychiatrist. * This medication should not be discontinued without first consulting with your psychiatrist. Possible withdrawal symptoms include: dizziness, headache, nausea, and irritability. * Store this medication in a cool, safe place away from the reach of children. This medication is usually very well tolerated. However possible side effects include: * Decreased sleep: If this occurs, take this medication early in the day. This usually goes away with continued use. * Anxiety/restlessness: This will usually go away with continued use. If this causes difficulty, contact your psychiatrist. * Drowsiness: If this occurs, take this medication 1 hour before bedtime. This usually goes away with continued use. * Nausea: Take this medication with food. This usually goes away with continued use. * Constipation or diarrhea: High-fiber diet (fresh fruit [especially pineapple], oat and wheat bran, vegetables, etc.) and regular exercise may treat this uncommon side effect. This usually goes away with continued use. * Weight gain: Usually mild. May occur in up to 9% of persons take paroxetine. Be sure to adhere to a balanced diet. Get plenty of regular exercise. * Dry Mouth: This may disappear with continued use. Dry mouth may increase risk of dental disease. Chew sugarless gum and brush at least daily with fluoridated toothpaste. * Headache: Will usually go away with continued use. Discuss with your physician if persistent. * Blurred Vision: This is usually temporary and will diminish with continued use. * Tremor: This tends to go away with continued use. * Sexual Difficulties: Decreased sexual desire and difficulty achieving orgasm may occur. Discuss this with your physician for treatment options. * Bruising/bleeding: Use of paroxetine can slightly increase risk of bruising and bleeding, but this can be significant when aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g naproxen, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, flurbiprofen, diclofenac, sulfasalazine, sulindac, oxaprozin, salsalate, piroxicam, indomethacin, etodolac) are also taken. * If any side effect persists or becomes intolerable, discuss this with your physician. The following other medications may require dosage adjustment while taking Paroxetine: * Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Isocarboxazid/Marplan, Tranylcypromine/Parnate, Phenelzine/Nardil). St.John's Wort. * Other Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (Fluoxetine/Prozac, Sertraline/Zoloft, Fluvoxamine/Luvox, Venlafaxine/Effexor). * Tramadol/Ultram, Haloperidol/Haldol, Risperidone/Risperdal, Thioridazine/Mellaril, Beta-blockers, Codeine, Dextromethorphan (found in many over-the-counter cough and cold medicines), Tricyclic antidepressants, Trazodone, Nefazodone/Serzone. * Ginkgo biloba may interfere with effectiveness. |
 |