Paxil

Paxil CR (controlled-release) is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Paxil is used to treat depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Uses:
This medicine is used to treat depression and panic disorders with or without the fear of being in open or public places.

How to Take:
How much Paxil-CR you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated, your age, and weight. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Carefully read the patient leaflet provided with this medicine and reread it each time you get this prescription refilled. Take this medicine exactly as directed by your health care provider. This medicine may be taken without regard to food. Swallow tablets whole. Do not crush or chew them. Symptoms usually improve within 1 to 4 weeks. Continue taking this medicine even though you feel better. This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine. This medicine may cause sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and other ultraviolet light. Use sunscreens and wear protective clothing until tolerance can be determined. Do not take this medicine if you are currently taking or have taken an MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days. If you are uncertain whether your other medications contain an MAO inhibitor, check with your health care provider. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. Stopping this medicine suddenly may cause certain side effects, such as dizziness, nausea, sweating, agitation; abnormal skin sensations, and abnormal dreams. Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medicines without talking with your doctor. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements.

Side Effects:
Every medicine can cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following occurs: Severe- Depression: Allergic reaction (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); increased heartbeat; breathing problems. Panic disorder: Allergic reaction (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue);increased heartbeat; breathing problems. Common- Depression: Nausea; abnormal ejaculation; blurred vision; constipation; decreased sex drive; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; tremor; female genital disorders; sweating; yawning; decreased appetite; dry mouth; impotence; infection(fever, chills, sore throat); headache; weakness; stomach pain; back pain; pain; gas; changes in appetite; indigestion; vomiting; sleeplessness; muscle tightness or stiffness; abnormal skin sensations; runny nose; increased cough; sensitivity to sunlight; urinary tract infection; menstrual disorder; vaginal infection. Panic disorder: Nausea; abnormal ejaculation; drowsiness; impotence; decreased sex drive; sweating; female genital disorders; weakness; stomach pain; dry mouth; diarrhea; constipation; decreased appetite; muscle aches; sleeplessness; nervousness; drowsiness; tremor; anxiety; agitation; muscle tightness or stiffness; muscle contractions; sinus inflammation; yawning; sweating; blurred vision; impotence; female genital disorder; frequent urination; inability to urinate. Other- Depression: Flushing; depression; confusion; bronchitis; abnormal dreams; anxiety; joint pain; painful menstruation; indigestion; muscle pain; nervousness; sore throat; rash; respiratory disorder; sinus inflammation; frequent urination; weight gain. Panic disorder: Headache; weight loss; vaginal infection; abnormal dreams; back pain; bronchitis; chest pain; impaired concentration; confusion; increased cough; depression; dizziness; painful menstruation; indigestion; fever; gas; increased appetite; infection (fever, chills, sore throat); menstrual disorder; migraine; pain; abnormal skin sensations; sore throat; respiratory disorder; runny nose; changes in taste; abnormal thinking; urinary tract infection; vomiting.

Medical Precautions:
Before using Paxil-CR, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding; if you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; if you have a history of seizures or mania; if you have thoughts of suicide; if you have severe liver or kidney problems; if you have a history of substance or alcohol abuse; if you have a history of narrow-angle glaucoma; if you have any other medical condition.

Drug Interactions:
Do not take this Paxil-CR if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine; you are currently taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor within the last 14 days; you are currently taking thioridazine.

Medical Notes:
If you have any questions about Paxil-CR, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Missed Dose:
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Storage:
Store Paxil-CR at or below 77 degrees F.

NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.