Paxil (Paroxetine) is an antidepressant that belongs to group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Paroxetine affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression, anxiety, or other disorders. Paxil is used to treat depression, including major depressive disorder.
Side Effects:
What are the most common side effects of paroxetine?
The most common side effects of paroxetine are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Sexual problems
- Stomach problems like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
- Dry mouth
- Trouble sleeping
- Nervousness
- Sweating
- Yawning
- Weakness
- Headache
- Not feeling hungry
- Blurry vision
- Dizziness
- Infection
- Sleepiness or tiredness
- Shaking
There may be other side effects of paroxetine that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine.
What are the serious side effects of paroxetine?
While less common, the most serious side effects of paroxetine are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Severe Allergic Reactions. Paroxetine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using paroxetine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Suicidal Thoughts or Actions. Paroxetine or other antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of children, teenagers, or young adults in the first few months of taking the medicine or when the dose is changed. Depression or other serious mental health conditions are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts or actions. If you or your child is about to harm themselves, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
Warnings & Precautions:
Drug Interactions. Paroxetine should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking paroxetine, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
You can take paroxetine with or without food. Do not take paroxetine unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Interactions:
There are no known interactions between paroxetine and foods or drinks. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking paroxetine. The combination can increase sleepiness or affect your alertness or concentration.
Does paroxetine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking paroxetine.
- A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 2 weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease; this also includes intravenous methylene blue or the antibiotic linezolid
- Pimozide, which is a medicine used for Tourette syndrome
- Thioridazine, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
- A medicine used to control your heart rate or rhythm (antiarrhythmic)
- A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which are medicines commonly used for anxiety and depression
- A type of medicine called a triptan, such as sumatriptan (Imitrex and others), eletriptan (Relpax), and others, which is commonly used to treat migraines
- St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used to treat depression
- Tryptophan, which is a supplement that may be used to treat mental health conditions
- Lithium, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
- A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression
- Buspirone, which is a medicine for anxiety
- Amphetamines, such as Adderall, which are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy
- Opioid pain medicines, such as tramadol, methadone, or fentanyl
- Medicines that affect bleeding, like a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), warfarin, or aspirin
- Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), which is a blood thinner
- A medicine used to control your heart rate or rhythm (antiarrhythmic)
- Tamoxifen, which is a medicine used to prevent or treat certain types of breast cancer
- A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of paroxetine, and vice versa. Paroxetine interacts with many other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
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