Product Details: Paxil (Paroxetine)

PLEASE NOTE BRAND PAXIL IS ALSO MARKETED INTERNATIONALLY UNDER THE NAME AROPAX.

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline

Generic Options

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, 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).

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. 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. 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

Before taking paroxetine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: history or family history of psychiatric disorder (e.g., bipolar/manic-depressive disorder), history or family history of suicide attempts, liver problems, kidney problems, seizures, heart problems, stomach ulcers, glaucoma (narrow angle type), thyroid problems.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

Caution is advised when using this product in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects. The elderly are more likely to develop a type of electrolyte imbalance (hyponatremia), especially if they are also taking "water pills" or diuretics with this medication.

This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy, especially during the first 3 months and last 3 months. If this medication is taken during the first 3 months of pregnancy, the unborn baby may infrequently develop heart defects and other serious problems. Babies born to mothers who have taken this medication during the last 3 months of pregnancy may infrequently develop symptoms including feeding/breathing trouble, seizures, muscle stiffness, jitteriness, or constant crying. If you notice any such symptoms in your newborn, report them to the doctor immediately. You should not stop taking this medication unless your doctor directs you to do so. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss the risks and benefits of taking this medication during pregnancy with your doctor.

This drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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