Paroxetine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

What Drug Paroxetine?

What is paroxetine for?

Paroxetine is a drug used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance (serotonin) in the brain.

Paroxetine is known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This medication can improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy levels and can help restore your spirits for life. This medication can reduce fear, anxiety, unwanted thoughts, and a number of panic attacks. This medicine can also reduce the urge to do an activity repeatedly (urges such as washing hands, counting, and checking things) that are interfering with everyday life.

OTHER USES: This section lists uses for this drug that are not listed on approved labels, but may be prescribed by your healthcare professional. Use this medication for the conditions listed below only if it has been prescribed by your doctor and health care professional.

This drug can also be used to treat forms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder. This medication can also be used to treat hot flashes that occur at menopause.

How do I use paroxetine?

Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking Paroxetine and each time you get a refill. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning. Taking this drug with food can reduce nausea. If this medication makes you sleepy during the day, discuss with your doctor about taking this drug at night.

Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and other medicines you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, and herbal products). To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may start directing you at a lower dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow the doctor's instructions carefully. Do not increase your dose or use this medication more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, but the risk of side effects will increase. Take this medication regularly for optimal benefits. You need to remember to use the medicine at the same time every day.

The drug manufacturer directs not to chew / crush the tablet before using it. However, many similar drugs (Immediate Release tablets) can be chewed / crushed. Follow your doctor's directions on how to use this medication.

If you are taking Paroxetine for premenstrual problems, your doctor may direct you to take this drug every day of the month or only for 2 weeks before your period or through the first day of your period.

It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel you are getting better. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions can get worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Also, you may experience symptoms such as mood swings, headaches, fatigue, changes in sleep patterns, and a feeling of shock similar to electric shock. To prevent these symptoms while you are stopping treatment with this medicine, your doctor may reduce the dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. report immediately if new or worsening symptoms occur.

It may take up to several weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.

How is paroxetine stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Paroxetine dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the paroxetine dosage for adults?

Normal Dosage For Adults With Depression

Immediate Release Tablets and Suspensions:

Initial dose: 20 mg once a day with or without food, usually in the morning.

Maintenance dose: 20 to 50 mg once daily with or without food, usually in the morning.

Dose Change: Dose may be increased by 10 mg per day increments with at least one week intervals.

Extended Release Tablets:

Initial dosage:

Paroxetine- naive patients: 25 mg once a day with or without food, usually in the morning.

Conversion: 30 mg Paroxetine Immediate Release followed by 37.5 mg Extended Release

Maintenance dose: The starting dose can be increased to a maximum of 62.5 mg per day.

Dose Change: The dosage may be increased at 12.5 mg per day at intervals of at least one week.

Caution: Tablets with Extended Release must be swallowed whole and not chewed or crushed.

Normal Dosage for Overcoming Anxiety in Adults

Immediate Release and Suspension Tablets:

Initial dose: 20 mg once a day with or without food, usually in the morning.

Maintenance dose: Dosages of up to 60 mg once daily with or without food, usually can be used in the morning.

Dose Change: Dose may be increased by 10 mg per day increments at intervals of at least one week.

Extended Release Tablets:

Initial dose: 12.5 mg once daily with or without food, usually in the morning.

Maintenance dose: The starting dose can be increased by 12.5 mg in weekly increments, up to a maximum of 37.5 mg per day.

Dose Change: May occur at intervals of at least one week.

Caution: Tablets with Extended Release must be swallowed whole and not chewed or crushed.

Normal Dosage for Adults with Panic Disorder

Immediate Release and Suspension Tablets:

Initial dose: 10 mg once daily with or without food, usually in the morning.

Maintenance dose: 40 mg once daily with or without food, usually in the morning. Doses of up to 60 mg once a day in the morning can be used.

Dose Change: May occur as large as 10 mg per day increments with at least one week intervals.

Extended Release Tablets:

Initial dose: Paroxetine-naive patients: 12.5 mg once a day with or without food, usually in the morning.

Maintenance dose: The starting dose can be increased by 12.5 mg per day at intervals of at least one week, up to a maximum of 75 mg per day.

Caution: Tablets with Extended Release must be swallowed whole and not chewed or crushed.

Normal Dosage for Adults with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Extended Release Tablets:

Initial: 12.5 mg taken once daily with or without food, usually in the morning continuously, or alternatively, 12.5 mg taken once daily with or without food, usually in the morning during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (14 days before to the beginning of the anticipation of menstruation).

Maintenance: Doses of up to 25 mg once daily with or without food, usually in the morning, have been shown to be effective in clinical trials. Its effectiveness for periods exceeding 3 menstrual cycles has not been evaluated in controlled trials. However, it is reasonable to consider continuation in responding patients.

Dose Change: May occur at intervals of at least one week.

Caution: Tablets with Extended Release must be swallowed whole and not chewed or crushed.

Normal Dosage For Adults With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Immediate Release and Suspension Tablets:

Starting dose: 20 mg taken by mouth once a day with or without food, usually in the morning.

Maintenance dose: 40 mg taken by mouth once a day with or without food, usually in the morning. Doses of up to 60 mg taken once daily in the morning can be used.

Dose Change: Dose may be increased by 10 mg per day increments with at least one week intervals.

Normal dosage for adults with post traumatic stress disorder

Tablets with Immediate Release and Suspension:

Starting dose: 20 mg taken by mouth once a day with or without food, usually in the morning.

Maintenance dose: 20 to 50 mg taken by mouth once a day with or without food, usually in the morning.

Dose Change: The dose may be increased by 10 mg per day in increments of at least one week.

Normal dosage for adults with menopause symptoms

The approved indications for Paroxetine known as Brisdelle (R) only: Treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause:

7.5 mg taken by mouth once daily at bedtime with or without food

What is the paroxetine dosage for children?

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients (less than 18 years) have not been determined.

In what dosage is paroxetine available?

Ready-to-drink capsules, as a mesylate:

Brisdelle: 7.5 mg

Suspensions, ready-to-drink solutions, as hydrochlorides:

Paxil: 10 mg / 5 mL (250 mL)

Ready-to-drink tablets, as hydrochloride:

• Paxil: 10 mg, 20 mg
• Paxil: 30 mg, 40 mg
• Generic: 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg

Tablets, ready to drink, as mesylates:

• Pexeva: 10 mg
• Pexeva: 20 mg
• Pexeva: 30 mg, 40 mg

24-hour extended release tablet, taken by mouth, as hydrochloride:

• Paxil CR: 12.5 mg
• Paxil CR: 25 mg
• Paxil CR: 37.5 mg
• Generic: 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 37.5 mg

Paroxetine side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to paroxetine?

Seek emergency medical help if you have any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: skin rash or hives; hard to breath; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Report any new or worsening symptoms with your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, restless, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mental or physical), is more depressed, or has thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects such as:

• unusual bone pain, swelling or bruising
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding (in the nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), coughing up blood
• agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, feeling unsteady, loss of coordination, fainting
• very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeat, tremors, overactive reflexes, feeling like they are about to pass out
• headache, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, weakness, confusion, hallucinations, fainting, seizures, shortness of breath or stopping breathing
• skin reactions - fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning sensation in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially on the face or upper body) and blisters and peeling skin

Less serious side effects may include:

• lightheadedness, drowsiness, dizziness, trouble sleeping (insomnia), feeling restless or nervous
• mild nausea, constipation, weight changes
• decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm
• dry mouth, yawning, or ringing in the ears

Not everyone experiences this side effect. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about side effects, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Paroxetine Drug Warnings and Cautions

What should be known before using paroxetine?

In deciding to use a drug, the risks of taking the drug must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this drug, the following should be considered:

Allergy

Tell your doctor if you have had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to food, coloring, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read labels or package ingredients carefully.

Children

There are no studies showing a relationship between age and the effects of paroxetine in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have yet to be determined. The use of Brisdelle ™ is not indicated in the pediatric population.

Elderly

To date there are no studies that show a specific problem that limits the usefulness of Paroxetine in the elderly. However, elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug than young adults, and more likely to develop hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood), which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving Paroxetine.

Is paroxetine safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category X according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

• A = No risk,
• B = not at risk in several studies,
• C = May be risky,
• D = There is positive evidence of risk,
• X = Contraindicated
• N = Unknown

Studies in women show that this drug poses only minimal risk to the baby when used during breastfeeding.

Paroxetine Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with paroxetine?

Taking this drug with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may not prescribe this drug to you or will replace some of the drugs you are already taking.

• Amifampridine
• Clorgyline
• Furazolidone
• Iproniazid
• Isocarboxazid
• Linezolid
• Methylene Blue
• Metoclopramide
• Moclobemid
• Nialamide
• Pargyline
• phenelzine
• Pimozide
• Piperaquine
• Procarbazine
• Rasagiline
• Selegilin
• Thioridazine
• Toloxatone
• tranylcypromine

Using this medication with some of the medicines below is not usually recommended, but in some cases it may be necessary. If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Abciximab
• Aceclofenac
• Acemetacin
• Acenocoumarol
• Almotriptan
• Amtolmetin Guacil
• Anagrelide
• Ancrod
• Anisindione
• Antithrombin III Human
• Apixaban
• Ardeparin
• Aripiprazole
• Aspirin
• Bivalirudin
• Bromfenac
• Bufexamac
• Bupropion
• Buserelin
• Celecoxib
• Certoparin
• Choline Salicylate
• Cilostazol
• Citalopram
• Clarithromycin
• Clonixin
• Clopidogrel
• Crizotinib
• Cyclobenzaprine
• Dabrafenib
• Dalteparin
• Danaparoid
• Defibrotide
• Delamanid
• Dermatan Sulfate
• Desirudin
• Deslorelin
• Desvenlafaxine
• Dexfenfluramine
• Dexibuprofen
• Dexketoprofen
• Dextromethorphan
• Diclofenac
• Dicumarol
• Dislunisal
• Dipyridamole
• Dipyrone
• Dolasetron
• Domperidone
• Doxorubicin
• Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Liposome
• Droperidol
• Duloxetine
• Eletriptan
• Eliglustat
• Enoxaparin
• Eptifibatide
• Escitalopram
• Etodolac
• Etofenamate
• Etoricoxib
• Felbinac
• Fenfluramine
• Fenoprofen
• Fentanyl
• Fepradinol
• Feprazone
• Floctafenine
• Flufenamic Acid
• Fluoxetine
• Flurbiprofen
• Fluvoxamine
• Fondaparinux
• Frovatriptan
• Gonadorelin
• Goserelin
• Granisetron
• Haloperidol
• Heparin
• Histrelin
• Hydroxytryptophan
• Ibuprofen
• Ibuprofen Lysine
• Indomethacin
• Iobenguane I 123
• Ivabradine
• Ketoconazole
• Ketoprofen
• Ketorolac
• Leuprolide
• Levomilnacipran
• Lorcaserin
• Lornoxicam
• Loxoprofen
• Lumiracoxib
• Meclofenamate
• Mefenamic Acid
• Meloxicam
• Meperidine
• Metronidazole
• Milnacipran
• Mirtazapine
• Morniflumate
• Morphine
• Morphine Sulfate Liposome
• Nabumetone
• Nadroparin
• Nafarelin
• Naproxen
• Naratriptan
• Nefazodone
• Nepafenac
• Niflumic Acid
• Nimesulide
• Ondansetron
• Oxaprozin
• Oxymorphone
• Oxyphenbutazone
• Palonosetron
• Parecoxib
• Parnaparin
• Pazopanib
• Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium
• Phenindione
• Phenprocoumon
• Phenylbutazone
• Piketoprofen
• Piroxicam
• Pranoprofen
• Prasugrel
• Proglumetacin
• Propyphenazone
• Proquazone
• Quetiapine
• Reviparin
• Rizatriptan
• Rofecoxib
• Salicylic Acid
• Salsalate
• Sertraline
• Sevoflurane
• Sibutramine
• Sodium Salicylate
• St. John's Wort
• Sulindac
• Sumatriptan
• Tamoxifen
• Tapentadol
• Tenoxicam
• Tiaprofenic Acid
• Ticlopidine
• Tinzaparin
• Tirofiban
• Tolfenamic Acid
• Tolmetin
• Tramadol
• Trazodone
• Triptorelin
• Tryptophan
• Umeclidinium
• Valdecoxib
• Vandetanib
• Vemurafenib
• Vilazodone
• Vinflunine
• Vortioxetine
• Warfarin
• Zolmitriptan

Using this medication with some of the medicines below is not usually recommended, but in some cases it may be necessary.If both drugs are prescribed for you, your doctor will usually change the dosage or determine how often you should take them.

• Amoxapine
• Aprepitant
• Asenapine
• Cimetidine
• Clomipramine
• Cyproheptadine
• Darunavir
• Desipramine
• Dothiepin
• Doxepin
• Encainide
• Flecainide
• Fluphenazine
• Fosamprenavir
• Fosphenytoin
• Galantamine
• Ginkgo
• Iloperidone
• Imipramine
• Lithium
• Lofepramine
• Nortriptyline
• Paliperidone
• Perhexiline
• Perphenazine
• Phenytoin
• Procyclidine
• Propafenone
• Protriptyline
• Quinidine
• Risperidone
• Ritonavir
• Tetrabenazine
• Trimipramine

Can food or alcohol interact with paroxetine?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with paroxetine?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of this drug. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

• bipolar disorder (mood disorder with mania and depression), or its risks
• bleeding problems
• bone problems
• glaucoma (angle closed type)
• hyponatremia (low sodium level in the blood)
• a history of pleasure
• history of seizures - use with caution. It might make things worse
• kidney disease, severe
• liver disease, severe - use with caution. The effect may increase because the elimination of the drug from the body is slower.

Paroxetine overdose

What should I do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (112) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.