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Precautions
It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits, to allow changes in your dose and help reduce any side effects.
Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
Tell your doctor right away if you develop any allergic reactions, such as skin rash or hives, while taking paroxetine.
Paroxetine may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. If you or your caregiver notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor or your child's doctor right away.
Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without checking first with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are using before stopping it completely. This is to decrease the chance of having discontinuation symptoms such as agitation, breathing problems, chest pain, confusion, diarrhea, dizziness or lightheadedness, fast heartbeat, headache, increased sweating, muscle pain, nausea, restlessness, runny nose, trouble in sleeping, trembling or shaking, unusual tiredness or weakness, vision changes, or vomiting.
Make sure your doctor knows about all the other medicines you are using. Paroxetine may cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)-like reactions when taken with certain medicines such as linezolid (Zyvox®), lithium, tryptophan, St. John's Wort, or some pain medicines (e.g., tramadol [Ultram®], sumatriptan [Imitrex®], zolmitriptan [Zomig®], or rizatriptan [Maxalt®]). Check with your doctor first before taking any other medicines.
Paroxetine has not been shown to add to the effects of alcohol. However, use of alcohol is not recommended in patients who are taking paroxetine.
Paroxetine may cause some people to become drowsy or have blurred vision. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert or able to see clearly.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.
