What is Paxil
Paxil (paroxetine) is an antidepressant that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors class of medicines (SSRIs). Paroxetine affects brain chemicals that may be out of control in individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses. Paxil is a medication that is used to treat depression, such as major depressive disorder.
Paxil Uses
Paxil is a medication that is used to treat depression, such as major depressive disorder.Panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder are all treated with Paxil (PMDD).
How to use Paxil CR?
- Paxil should be taken exactly as directed by your doctor. Read all drug manuals or guidance sheets and follow all instructions on your prescription bottle. Your doctor can adjust your dose from time to time.
- Do not crush, chew, or crack the Paxil CR extended-release tablet; swallow it whole.
- Before you take a dose of Paxil oral suspension (liquid), shake it well before using. Use the given dosing syringe or a drug dose-measuring unit (not a kitchen spoon).
- Your symptoms can take up to four weeks to improve. If your symptoms do not improve after taking the drug as prescribed, contact your doctor.
- If you suddenly stop taking Paxil, you can experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Inquire with your doctor on how to safely avoid taking this medication. To taper your dose, follow your doctor's instructions.
- Store away from moisture, sun, and light at room temperature.
Paxil Side Effects
- Agitation
- Chest congestion
- Chest pain
- Chills
- Confusion
- Difficulty with breathing
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Lightheadedness
- Irregular heartbeat or pulse
- Muscle pain
- Weakness
- Skin rash
- Difficulty with speaking
- Dry mouth
- Fever
- Restlessness
- Shivering
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
Precautions
- If you're taking pimozide or thioridazine, you shouldn't take Paxil.
- If you've taken an MAO inhibitor like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days, don't take Paxil.
- When taking an antidepressant for the first time, some young people have suicidal thoughts. Keep a close eye on any changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor should be informed of any new or worsening symptoms.
- If you experience symptoms such as anxiety, hallucinations, muscle weakness, twitching, lack of balance, dizziness, warmth or tingling sensations, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, sweating, or tremors, seek medical help right away.
- The drug's side effects, especially bleeding and loss of coordination may be more severe in older adults. Older adults are also more likely to develop a form of salt imbalance (hyponatremia), especially if they take "water pills" (diuretics). Falls may be exacerbated by a loss of control.
- Children may be more prone to the drug's adverse effects, especially appetite loss and weight loss. Children who are taking this medication may have changes in their weight.
- It is not advised to take this drug while you are pregnant. It has the potential to damage an unborn child, and babies born to mothers who used it during the last three months of pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms including feeding/breathing problems, seizures, muscle weakness, or excessive crying. Do not quit taking this drug until your doctor tells you to because untreated mental/mood disorders (such as depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety) will affect a pregnant woman and her unborn baby. Instead, consult with your doctor to see if a particular prescription is appropriate for you. Tell your doctor right away if you're expecting.
- This medication is excreted in breast milk. Consult your doctor.
Interactions
- Drug interactions might lead your drugs to function in a different way or put you at risk for some severe side effects.
- Thioridazine, as well as other drugs that can cause bleeding or bruising, can interact with this medication (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, blood thinners such as warfarin).
- All of your medications (such as allergy or cough-and-cold remedies) should be checked for ingredients that cause drowsiness. Inquire with your pharmacist about the proper use of those drugs.
- This medication can cause false test results in some medical/laboratory tests (including a brain scan for Parkinson's disease). Make sure your laboratory staff and all of your physicians are aware that you are taking this medication.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, seek medical advice. Do not take more.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take any dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is already near to the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dosage at regular intervals of time. Do not double the dose
Storage
Store it at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications far away from kids. Never flush medications down the toilet or pour them into the drainage.
Paxil vs Zoloft:
Paxil belongs from a drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) | Zoloft belongs from a drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) |
The generic name of Paxil is Paroxetine | The generic name of Zoloft is Sertraline |
The standard dosage given is 10-60 mg daily, depending on the indication and response to treatment | The standard dosage given is 50-200 mg daily, depending on the indication and response to treatment |
This medicine is used to treat depression, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder | Zoloft is a medication that is used to treat depression, such as major depressive disorder. |