General information

Paxil Cr is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain (neurotransmitters such as serotonin). This medicine is used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder).

Directions

Take Paxil Cr exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily. Take the medicine at the same time each day. The recommended starting dosage for treating depression is 25 mg once daily. The maximum recommended daily dose for depression is 62.5 mg. For people with panic disorder, the recommended starting dosage of Paxil CR is 12.5 mg daily. The maximum recommended daily dose for panic disorder is 75 mg.

Precautions

Before taking Paxil Cr you should talk with your doctor if you have bipolar disorder (manic depression), suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts, heart attack, seizures or epilepsy, diabetes, glaucoma, liver disease, liver failure, cirrhosis, kidney problems, kidney failure, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can increase some of the side effects. The elderly are more likely to lose too much salt (hyponatremia).

Contraindications

You should not take Paxil Cr if you are allergic to paroxetine or to any of the ingredients of the medication, are taking a MAO inhibitor, pimozide, thioridazine, are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have anxiety, nervousness, back pain, constipation, decreased or increased appetite, decreased sexual ability, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, flatulence, flushing, headache, heartburn, increased sweating, nausea, vomiting, painful menstrual periods, shakiness, tremor, stomach pain, tingling, trouble sleeping, unusual tiredness, weakness, weight loss, vision changes, skin rash, chest pain, convulsions, problems with urination, dryness of mouth, increased thirst, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, hives. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: antipsychotics (chlorpromazine, thiothixene, loxapine), antidepressants (amitriptyline, citalopram, nefazodone, fluoxetine, bupropion), heart medications (diltiazem, reserpine, verapamil, nifedipine, digoxin), tryptophan, tramadol, medicine for asthma (metaproterenol, theophylline, pirbuterol, terbutaline), HIV or AIDS medicine (indinavir, atazanavir, fosamprenavir, ritonavir), linezolid, fosamprenavir, H2 blockers (ranitidine, cimetidine, nizatidine, famotidine), blood thinners (warfarin). Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don’t take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness, seizures.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the medication in the bathroom. Keep your drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Precautions

Before taking Paxil Cr you should talk with your doctor if you have bipolar disorder (manic depression), suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts, heart attack, seizures or epilepsy, diabetes, glaucoma, liver disease, liver failure, cirrhosis, kidney problems, kidney failure, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can increase some of the side effects. The elderly are more likely to lose too much salt (hyponatremia)

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have anxiety, nervousness, back pain, constipation, decreased or increased appetite, decreased sexual ability, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, flatulence, flushing, headache, heartburn, increased sweating, nausea, vomiting, painful menstrual periods, shakiness, tremor, stomach pain, tingling, trouble sleeping, unusual tiredness, weakness, weight loss, vision changes, skin rash, chest pain, convulsions, problems with urination, dryness of mouth, increased thirst, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, hives. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.