 Paroxetine tablets, suspension (liquid) and extended-release (long-acting) tablets are used to treat depression, panic disorder (sudden, unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks), and social anxiety disorder (extreme fear of interacting with others or performing in front of others that interferes with normal life). Paroxetine tablets and oral solution are also used to treat obsessive compulsive disorder (bothersome thoughts that won't go away and the need to perform certain actions over and over), generalized anxiety disorder (excessive worrying that is difficult to control), and posttraumatic stress disorder (disturbing psychological symptoms that develop after a frightening experience). Paroxetine extended-release tablets are also used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD, physical and psychological symptoms that occur before the onset of the menstrual period each month
Paroxetine is also sometimes used to treat chronic headaches, tingling in the hands and feet caused by diabetes, and certain male sexual problems . Paroxetine is also used with other medications to treat bipolar disorder. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
Special precautions
Before taking paroxetine,
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to paroxetine or any other medicines.
- Do not take paroxetine if you are taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors..
- Tell your doctor what herbal products and nutritional supplements you are taking, especially St. John's wort and tryptophan.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had, or anyone in your family has or has ever had, depression, bipolar disorder (mood that changes from depressed to abnormally excited), or mania (frenzied, abnormally excited mood), or if you have, or anyone in your family has, thought about or attempted suicide. Also tell your doctor if you use or have ever used street drugs or have overused prescription medications, if you have recently had a heart attack, and if you have or have ever had glaucoma (an eye disease); seizures; bleeding from your stomach or esophagus (tube that connects the mouth and stomach) or liver, kidney, or heart disease.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking paroxetine, call your doctor.
- You should know that paroxetine may make you drowsy and affect your judgment and thinking. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- Ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking paroxetine.
- You should know that your mental health may change in unexpected ways, especially at the beginning of your treatment and any time that your dose is increased or decreased.
Side effects
Paroxetine may cause side effects:
- weakness
- difficulty concentrating
- nervousness
- forgetfulness
- confusion
- sleepiness or feeling "drugged"
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- gas
- stomach pain
- heartburn
- changes in ability to taste food
- decreased appetite
- weight loss or gain
- changes in sex drive or ability
- dry mouth
- sweating
- yawning
- sensitivity to light
- runny nose
- cough
- lump or tightness in throat
- pain in the back, muscles, joints, or anywhere in the body
- muscle weakness or tightness
- flushing
- problems with teeth
- unusual dreams
- painful or irregular menstruation
Some side effects can be serious:
- blurred vision
- rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- chest pain
- seizure
- abnormal bleeding or bruising
- sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection
- shaking hands that you cannot control
- sudden muscle twitching or jerking that you cannot control
- numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, arms, or legs
- difficult, frequent, or painful urination
- swelling, itching, burning, or infection in the vagina
- painful erection that lasts for hours
- sudden upset stomach, vomiting, weakness, cramping, bloating, swelling, tightness in hands and feet, dizziness, headache and/or confusion
- hives
- skin rash
- itching
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- hoarseness
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- black and tarry stools
- red blood in stools
- bloody vomit
- vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- drowsiness
- coma
- upset stomach
- shaking hands that you cannot control
- fast, pounding, irregular, or slow heartbeat
- confusion
- vomiting
- dizziness
- seizures
- fainting
- blurred vision
- extreme tiredness
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- lack of energy
- loss of appetite
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- flu like symptoms
- yellowing of the skin and eyes
- aggressive behavior
- muscle pain, stiffness or weakness
- sudden muscle twitching or jerking that you cannot control
- dark red or brown urine
- difficulty urinating
- diarrhea
- frenzied, abnormally excited mood
- sweating
- fever
- difficulty walking
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
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