Paxil
Description
In just a few years, Paxil (paroxetine HCl) has become one of the leading treatments for depression and anxiety disorders. Paxil is a member of a class of prescription drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that has proven in clinical trials to be both safe and effective with fewer side effects than other types of antidepressant medications.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Paxil for the treatment of major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
With continued treatment, Paxil can help restore the balance of serotonin (a naturally occurring chemical in the brain) -- which helps reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Recommendations
Take paroxetine exactly as directed by your doctor. Take each dose with water. Swallow the controlled-release tablets (Paxil CR) whole, without crushing or chewing. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body. Paroxetine may be taken with or without food. Try to take paroxetine at the same time each day. Do not stop taking paroxetine without first talking to your doctor. It may take 4 weeks or more for you to start feeling better and unpleasant side effects may be experienced if you stop taking paroxetine suddenly.
Precautions
Do not take paroxetine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during the last 2 weeks.
Also, do not take paroxetine if you are taking thioridazine (Mellaril). You must wait 5 weeks after stopping paroxetine before taking thioridazine (Mellaril).
Before taking paroxetine, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, seizures or epilepsy, or a manic disorder or suicidal thoughts. Do not take paroxetine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant, could become pregnant during treatment or breast-feeding a baby.
Ingredients
Active ingredient: paroxetine.
