Paroxetine (Oral Route)

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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.

Do not take paroxetine within 2 weeks of taking an monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (e.g., isocarboxazid [Marplan®], phenelzine [Nardil®], selegiline [Eldepryl®], tranylcypromine [Parnate®]), linezolid (Zyvox®), or methylthioninium chloride (methylene blue). Do not take an MAO inhibitor for at least 2 weeks after taking paroxetine. If you do, you may develop extremely high blood pressure or seizures.

Do not take thioridazine (Mellaril®) while you are taking paroxetine. You should not use pimozide (Orap®) while you are taking this medicine. Using these medicines together can cause very serious heart problems.

Do not take Pexeva® tablets if you are also using Paxil® tablets. These medicines should not be taken together because both medicines contains paroxetine. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

This medicine may decrease the amount of sperm men make and affect their ability to have children. If you plan to have children, talk with your doctor before using this medicine.

Tell your doctor right away if you develop any allergic reactions, such as skin rash or hives, while taking paroxetine.

Paroxetine may cause some teenagers and young adults 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. Some people may have trouble sleeping, get upset easily, have a big increase in energy, or start to act reckless. If you or your caregiver notice any of these unwanted effects, tell your doctor right away. Let the doctor know if you or anyone in your family has bipolar disorder (manic-depressive) or has tried to commit suicide.

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 lithium, tryptophan, St. John's wort, or some pain medicines (e.g., tramadol [Ultram®], rizatriptan [Maxalt®], sumatriptan [Imitrex®], or zolmitriptan [Zomig®]). Check with your doctor first before taking any other medicines.

Check with your doctor right away if you develop the following symptoms during the first few weeks of treatment with paroxetine: inability to sit still, need to keep moving, or restlessness.

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.

Hyponatremia (low sodium in the blood) may occur with this medicine. Stop using the medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have confusion, difficulty concentrating, headaches, memory problems, weakness, and unsteadiness.

This medicine may increase your risk for bleeding problems. Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking other medicines that thin the blood, such as aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents also called NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, or Motrin®), or warfarin (Coumadin®).

This medicine may increase the risk of bone fractures. Tell your doctor if you have unexplained bone pain, tenderness, swelling, or bruising. Also, ask your doctor about ways to keep your bones strong to help prevent fractures.

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 (e.g., St. John's wort) or vitamin supplements.

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