Online Pharmacy

What is Paxil?

Paxil is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Paxil is in a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the amounts of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.

Paxil Warnings

Before taking Paxil,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Paxil or any other medications.
• do not take Paxil if you are taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, including phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate), or have stopped taking them within the past two weeks. Do not take Paxil with thioridazine (Mellaril).
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); antidepressants (mood elevators) such as amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Adapin, Sinequan), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil), and trimipramine (Surmontil); cimetidine (Tagamet); digoxin (Lanoxin); diuretics ('water pills'); fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); medications for irregular heartbeat such as encainide, flecainide (Tambocor), propafenone (Rythmol), and quinidine (Quinidex); medications for seizures such as phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton) and phenytoin (Dilantin); procyclidine (Kemadrin); sumatriptan (Imitrex); theopylline (Theobid, Theo-Dur); and tryptophan. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have recently had a heart attack and if you have or have ever had bipolar disorder; glaucoma; seizures; 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 Paxil, call your doctor.
• you should know that Paxil may make you drowsy. 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 Paxil.

Paxil Side Effects

Paxil may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• upset stomach
• stomach pain
• diarrhea
• constipation
• dry mouth
• gas or bloating
• changes in appetite or weight
• drowsiness
• weakness
• excitement
• nervousness
• dizziness
• tremor
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• muscle pain
• pain, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
• difficulty urinating
• frequent urination
• changes in sex drive or ability
• excessive sweating

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• blurred vision
• rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• seizure
• abnormal bleeding or bruising
• seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating)
• severe skin rash

Paxil may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Paxil Dosage

Paxil comes as a tablet and a suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. It is usually taken once daily in the morning with or without food. To help you remember to take Paxil, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Paxil exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly.

Your doctor may start you on a low dose of Paxil and gradually increase your dose, not more than once a week.

It may take up to 4 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of Paxil. Continue to take Paxil even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Paxil without talking to your doctor. Suddenly stopping to take Paxil may cause withdrawal symptoms (dizziness, excitement, anxiety, upset stomach, and sweating). Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.

Paxil - Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What storage conditions are needed for this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription