Paroxetine – what it is for, how to take it and contraindications!

Paroxetine is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Paroxetine affects chemicals in the brain that may be out of balance in people with depression ,  anxiety, or other disorders. Paroxetine is used to treat depression , obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

The Brisdelle brand of paroxetine is used to treat menopause-related hot flashes. Brisdelle is not for treating other conditions. Paroxetine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

How to take paroxetine?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not take this medication in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Do not crush, chew or break a paroxetine prolonged-release tablet. Swallow it all. Shake the paroxetine oral suspension (liquid) well immediately before measuring a dose. Measure the liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose measuring device, ask your pharmacist.

It may take up to 4 weeks for symptoms to improve. Continue using medication as directed and tell your doctor if symptoms do not improve. Do not stop using paroxetine suddenly, or you may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop paroxetine . Follow your doctor’s instructions to reduce your dose.

What to avoid while taking paroxetine?

Drinking alcohol with paroxetine can cause side effects. Ask your doctor before taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for pain, arthritis, fever, or swelling . This includes aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others. Using an NSAID with paroxetine can cause injury or bleeding. Paroxetine can impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Important information about paroxetine:

You should not use paroxetine if you are also taking pimozide or thioridazine. Do not use paroxetine within 14 days before or 14 days after you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Do not start or stop taking paroxetine during pregnancy without your doctor’s advice. Some young people have thoughts of suicide when taking an antidepressant. Watch for changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms such as: agitation, hallucinations, muscle stiffness, spasms, loss of coordination, dizziness, hot or tingling sensations, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever , sweating , tremors, rapid heartbeat, or seizures ( seizures ). ).

Precautions before taking paroxetine:

You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to paroxetine or if you are taking pimozide or thioridazine. Do not use an MAO inhibitor within 14 days before or 14 days after taking paroxetine . A dangerous drug interaction may occur.

MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline and tranylcypromine. After you stop taking paroxetine , you must wait at least 14 days before starting to take an MAO inhibitor. To make sure paroxetine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• Heart disease, high blood pressure, history of stroke;
• Liver or kidney disease;
• A bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
• Seizures or epilepsy ;
• Bipolar disorder ( manic depression ) or a history of substance abuse or suicidal thoughts;
• Narrow-angle glaucoma;
• Low levels of sodium in the blood.

Some young people have thoughts of suicide when taking an antidepressant. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be aware of changes in your mood or symptoms.

Taking paroxetine during pregnancy can cause serious lung problems, a heart defect, or other complications in the baby. However, you may experience a relapse of depression or another untreated condition if you stop taking your antidepressant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Do not start or stop taking paroxetine during pregnancy without your doctor’s advice. Do not use Brisdelle if you are pregnant. Paroxetine can pass into breast milk and cause side effects in a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

 What happens if I miss a dose of paroxetine?

Take the missed dose of paroxetine  as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Paroxetine side effects:

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to paroxetine : rash or hives; breathing difficulty; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety , panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically) , more depressed, or having thoughts about suicide or harming yourself. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• Racing thoughts, decreased need for sleep, unusual risk-taking behavior, feelings of extreme happiness or sadness, being more talkative than usual
• Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling , or seeing halos around lights
• Unusual bone pain or tenderness, swelling or bruising;
• Changes in weight or appetite;
• Easy bruising, abnormal bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina or rectum), coughing up blood;
• High levels of serotonin in the body – agitation, hallucinations, fever , fast heart rate, hyperactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting;
• Low sodium levels in the body headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady;
• severe nervous system reaction very stiff (stiff) muscles,  high fever , sweating , confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, tremors, fainting;
• Severe skin reaction fever , sore throat, swelling of the face or tongue, burning eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple rash that spreads (especially on the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling .

Common Side Effects of Paroxetine May Include:

• Vision changes;
• Weakness, drowsiness, dizziness;
• Sweating, anxiety , tremor;
• Sleep problems (insomnia);
• Loss of appetite, constipation;
• Dry mouth , yawning;
• Decreased sexual desire;
• Impotence or difficulty having an orgasm.

Drug that affect paroxetine?

Taking paroxetine with other drugs that make you sleepy can make this effect worse. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic medication, muscle relaxant, or medication for anxiety , depression ,  or seizures .

Tell your doctor about all your current medications and any you start or stop using, especially:

• Cimetidine (Tagamet), St. John’s wort, tamoxifen, tryptophan (sometimes called L-tryptophan), warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
• Medicine for heart rhythm;
• Medicines for HIV or AIDS;
• Certain medications to treat narcolepsy or ADHD – amphetamine, atomoxetine, dextroamphetamine, Adderall, Dexedrine, Evekeo, Vyvanse;
• Narcotic pain medication – fentanyl, tramadol.

This list is not complete. Other drugs can interact with paroxetine , including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Other information:

Remember to keep paroxetine and all other medications out of the reach of children, never share your medications with others, and use paroxetine only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your physician to ensure that the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.