Product Details: Paxil Cr (Paroxetine)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline

Generic Options - Manufacturer: Generic

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression, panic attacks, social anxiety disorder, or a severe premenstrual syndrome known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). SSRIs work by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain called neurotransmitters. Paroxetine may also be used to treat a variety of other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY COME WITH A MEDICATION GUIDE. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. 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 may occur if this medicine is suddenly stopped. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. 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. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN OR ADOLESCENT PATIENTS because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. 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

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include nervousness, 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 seizures, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe nervousness or anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, feelings of irritability or hostility, impulsive behavior or other unusual changes in behavior, severe restlessness, worsening feelings of depression, thoughts of hurting yourself, or any other mental or mood changes. 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.

Active Ingredients

Paroxetine