Paxil

Generic Name: Paroxetine

US Brand Name: Paxil

Other Brand/Trade Names: Seroxat, Aropax.

Advantages

Paroxetine as compared with other antidepressants does not cause drowsiness, low blood pressure, or weight changes. Paroxetine has no active metabolites and leaves one's system 24 hours after it enters.

Uses

Paroxetine is used for the treatment of panic disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression. Good results were noticed in treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Active Ingredients: Paroxetine

Inactive Ingredients: Dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycols, polysorbate 80, sodium starch glycolate, titanium dioxide, and 1 or more of the following: D&C Red No. 30, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Blue No. 2, FD&C Yellow No. 6.

Dosage and Forms

Paroxetine comes as tablets, suspension (liquid), and extended-release (long-acting) tablets.

The usual dose of Paroxetine is 20 mg taken once daily; it should be taken in the morning or in the evening, at the same time. For the elderly, the recommended starting dose is 10 mg once daily. The dose should not exceed 50 mg a day. If a dose adjustment is required then it should be done at an interval of a week. If an overdose is suspected seek medical attention immediately.

There is no importance if you take Paroxetine with or without food. But to avoid stomach upset take it with food. Do not crush or chew the tablet.

Contraindications and Precautions

As any antidepressant, Paroxetine should not be taken during pregnancy or lactation. This medication should be taken with caution in persons with liver or kidney disease, panics disorder (suicidal thoughts), seizure of epilepsy. Other conditions may also have a contraindication for taking Paroxetine.

Side Effects

As many other medications Paroxetine has side effects. Most of them are mild and don’t require medical attention, such as: gas, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, dry mouth, cough, unusual dreams, painful or irregular menstruation etc.

Some side effects are serious and need medical attention as soon as possible: bloody vomit, skin rash, seizure, chest pain, sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection, painful erection that lasts for hours, sudden muscle twitching or jerking that you cannot control and others.

Interactions

Paroxetine should not be used while taking any MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) medication as it may produce fatal results. It is recommended a fourteen day interval between stopping the MAOI and starting Paroxetine, or vice versa. Alcohol should be avoided while taking Paroxetine.