Chemical Name: PAROXETINE Common uses This medicine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder
(OCD), social anxiety disorder (social phobia) and generalized anxiety
disorders (GAD). SSRIs work by helping to restore the balance of
certain natural substances in the brain (neurotransmitters). Paroxetine
may also be used to treat a variety of other conditions as determined
by your doctor including severe premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual
dysphoric disorder), sexual problems in men (premature ejaculation),
nerve problems associated with diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), chronic
headaches, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Before using Do not take this medicine if you are also taking another
paroxetine-containing product; fenfluramine; dexfenfluramine;
astemizole; terfenadine; clozapine; thioridazine; selegiline;
sibutramine; tramadol; or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (maois)
including furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine,
procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, or tranylcypromine. Additional
monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking
aripiprazole, cyproheptadine, lithium, metoclopramide, weight-loss
medicines, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen
or naproxen, atomoxetine, risperidone, 'triptan' medicines for
migraines such as sumatriptan, trazodone, or tricyclic antidepressants.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including
seizures, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor
or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this
medicine. Directions Follow the directions for using this medicine
provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach
or with food. Storage Store this medicine at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees
C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Brief
storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Missed dose Continue to take this medicine even if you feel better. Do not miss
any doses. If you miss a dose of this medicine and you are taking it in
the morning, take it during the afternoon if you remember. If you do
not remember until the next morning, skip the missed dose and go back
to your regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose and you are taking
1 dose daily at bedtime and do not remember until the next day, skip
the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not
take 2 doses at once. Cautions Do not take this medicine if you have
had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in
this product. At least 1 to 2 weeks, and sometimes up to 4 weeks, may
pass before this medicine reaches its full effect. This medicine is not
recommended for use in children or adolescents under 18 years of age.
It is important that all patients, including those under 18, consult
with their doctor before stopping this medicine. Do not suddenly stop
taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. Side effects Side effects may occur if this medicine is suddenly stopped.
Additional monitoring of your condition is recommended at the start of
treatment with this medicine and whenever a change to your dose is
made. If you experience anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty
sleeping, irritability, hostility, impulsive feelings, severe
restlessness, or worsening of depression contact your doctor as soon as
possible. These may be signs that your condition is worsening or that
your treatment with this medicine should be evaluated. If you are a
parent or caregiver of a patient that is taking this medicine, it is
important for you to watch for these symptoms. Contact the doctor as
soon as possible if any of these symptoms occur. Contact your doctor
for more information. This medicine may cause drowsiness. Do not drive,
operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until
you know how you react to this medicine. Do not drink alcohol while you
are taking this medicine. For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant,
discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine
during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. This medicine
is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while
you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to
discuss the risks to your baby. Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include
nervousness, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, fatigue, weakness, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dry mouth, sweating, dizziness,
lightheadedness, or changes in sexual function. If they continue or are
bothersome, check with your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if
you experience mental or mood changes, seizures, unusual bleeding or
bruising, thoughts of hurting yourself, or worsening of depression. For men: if you experience a prolonged, painful erection, stop using
this medicine and seek immediate medical attention or permanent
problems could occur. An allergic reaction to this medicine is
unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms
of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or
trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. If you take too much If
overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or
emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea,
vomiting, severe drowsiness, confusion, fast heartbeat, dilated pupils,
and loss of consciousness. Additional information Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not
prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep
this medicine out of the reach of children and pets. If using this
medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your
supply runs out. Drug interactions Drug interactions can result in unwanted side
effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or
medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor
or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that
you are taking. Click here
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