Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Paroxetine is prescribed for specific mental and mood disorders, including depression, panic attacks, and anxiety disorders. It is also employed to address a severe manifestation of premenstrual syndrome known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Paroxetine falls within the category of drugs referred to as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Its mechanism of action involves assisting in the balance of serotonin within the brain.
Uses and Dosage
Paroxetine is available in various forms, including tablets, liquid suspension, controlled-release (long-acting) tablets, and capsules for oral consumption. Typically, the tablets, suspension, and controlled-release tablets are taken once daily either in the morning or evening, with or without food. Capsules are usually ingested once daily at bedtime, with or without food. Taking paroxetine with a meal can help prevent stomach upset.
Take paroxetine precisely as directed; do not exceed or decrease the dosage, and do not alter the frequency beyond your doctor’s prescription.
For the liquid form, shake well before each use to ensure even distribution of the medication. Swallow the extended-release and regular tablets whole; avoid chewing or crushing them.
When starting paroxetine tablets, suspension, or controlled-release tablets, your doctor may initiate treatment with a low dose, gradually increasing it, but not more than once a week.
Paroxetine capsules contain a lower dose than what is required to treat depression and other mental illnesses. They should not be used for treating mental health conditions. If you suspect depression or another mental illness, consult your doctor for appropriate treatment.
While paroxetine can help manage symptoms, it does not cure the underlying condition. It may take several weeks or longer before experiencing the full benefits of paroxetine. Continue taking the medication even if you start feeling well.
Do not discontinue paroxetine without consulting your doctor, as they may gradually reduce your dose. Suddenly stopping paroxetine tablets, suspension, or controlled-release tablets may lead to withdrawal symptoms such as depression, mood changes, excessive excitement, irritability, anxiety, confusion, dizziness, headache, fatigue, numbness or tingling in the limbs, unusual dreams, difficulty sleeping, nausea, or sweating. Inform your doctor if you encounter any of these symptoms during a decrease in your paroxetine dosage.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- headache
- dizziness
- weakness
- difficulty concentrating
- nervousness
- forgetfulness
- confusion
- sleepiness
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- gas
- stomach pain
- heartburn
- changes in ability to taste food
- decreased appetite
- weight loss or gain
- sexual problems in males; decreased sex drive, inability to get or keep an erection, or delayed or absent ejaculation
- sexual problems in females; decreased sex drive, or delayed orgasm or unable to have an orgasm
- dry mouth
- sweating
- yawning
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating)
- fainting
- rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- chest pain
- difficulty breathing
- seizures
- agitation, fever, sweating, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, and severe muscle stiffness or twitching, hallucinations, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- abnormal bleeding or bruising
- tiny red spots directly under the skin
- peeling or blistering of skin
- sore throat, fever, chills, cough, and other signs of infection
- uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
- unsteady walking that may cause falling
- numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, arms, or legs
- painful erection that lasts for hours
- sudden nausea, vomiting, weakness, cramping, bloating, swelling, tightness in hands and feet, dizziness, headache and/or confusion
- hives
- rash
- itching
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- hoarseness
- black and tarry stools
- red blood in stools
- bloody vomit
- vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- bone pain or fracture
Caution
- Prior to taking paroxetine, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have an allergy to it or any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that could trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
- Before commencing this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have a personal or family history of bipolar/manic-depressive disorder, a personal or family history of suicide attempts, liver problems, kidney problems, seizures, low sodium levels in the blood, bleeding problems, or a personal or family history of angle-closure glaucoma.
- The use of this drug may induce dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Alcohol or marijuana can amplify these effects.
- Refrain from activities requiring alertness or clear vision, such as driving or operating machinery, until you can do so safely.
- Older adults may be more susceptible to the side effects of this drug, particularly bleeding or loss of coordination. They may also have an increased risk of developing a type of salt imbalance (hyponatremia), especially if they are concurrently taking diuretics (“water pills”), which can increase the risk of falling.
- Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially experiencing loss of appetite and weight loss. Monitor the weight and height of children taking this drug.
- You shouldn’t use this medication during pregnancy, as it may harm the unborn baby. Babies born to mothers who used it during the last three months of pregnancy may occasionally exhibit withdrawal symptoms such as difficulties in feeding/breathing, seizures, muscle stiffness, or constant crying. However, since untreated mental/mood problems can have adverse effects on both a pregnant woman and her unborn baby, do not discontinue this medication without your doctor’s guidance. Consult your doctor if you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or suspect pregnancy.
- This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Paxil CR is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Paxil CR extended-release tablet:
- 12.5 mg
- 25 mg
- paroxetine extended-release tablet:
- 12.5 mg
- 25 mg
- 37.5 mg
FAQ
When will I feel better after taking Paxil CR?
You may not notice much improvement in your symptoms for a week or two, until paroxetine begins to take effect. It usually takes between 4 and 6 weeks before you feel the full benefits.
Will Paxil CR affect my weight?
Paroxetine can make you feel less hungry, so you may lose weight when you first start taking it. But once you have been taking it for a while you may gain a little weight as your appetite returns.
Resources
- https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/paroxetine/common-questions-about-paroxetine/#:~:text=It%20usually%20takes%20between%204,least%206%20weeks%20to%20work
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/paroxetine-oral-route/description/drg-20067632
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-32900/paxil-cr-oral/details
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a698032.html
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/paxil-cr.html
