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Paxil

(paroxetine)

In this factsheet:
• How does Paxil work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Paxil?
• What form(s) does Paxil come in?
• Who should NOT take Paxil?
• What side effects are possible with Paxil?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Paxil?
• What other drugs could interact with Paxil?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Paxil work? What will it do for me?

Paroxetine belongs to the class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social phobia (social anxiety disorder), generalized anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It works by affecting the balance of chemicals in the brain that are associated with depression and anxiety disorders. It may take several weeks before the full beneficial effects of this medication are achieved.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use Paxil?

The recommended adult dose of paroxetine ranges from 20 mg to 60 mg once daily in the morning, with or without food. The dose depends on the individual and on the condition being treated. Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew it.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Paxil come in?

10 mg
Each yellow, bisected, film-coated, oval, biconvex tablet, with the product name engraved on one side and strength engraved on the other side, contains paroxetine HCl equivalent to paroxetine free base 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycols, polysorbate 80, sodium starch glycolate and titanium dioxide.

20 mg
Each pink, bisected, film-coated, oval, biconvex tablet, with the product name engraved on one side and strength engraved on the other side, contains paroxetine HCl equivalent to paroxetine free base 20 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycols, polysorbate 80, sodium starch glycolate and titanium dioxide.

30 mg
Each blue, film-coated, oval, biconvex tablet, with the product name engraved on one side and strength engraved on the other side, contains paroxetine HCl equivalent to paroxetine free base 30 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycols, polysorbate 80, sodium starch glycolate and titanium dioxide.

The 10, 20 and 30 mg tablets also contain one or more of the following: D&C Red No. 30 Aluminum Lake, D&C Yellow No. 10 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake and FD&C Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take Paxil?

Paroxetine should not be used by anyone who:

• has an allergy to paroxetine or any ingredients of the medication
• is taking a MAO inhibitor (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine, moclobemide) or has taken a MAO inhibitor within the past 2 weeks
• takes thioridazine
• takes pimozide

Do not start treatment with an MAO inhibitor until at least two weeks after stopping paroxetine treatment.

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