Skip navigation
MedlinePlus Trusted Health Information for You U.S. National Library of MedicineNational Institutes of Health
Contact Us FAQs Site Map About MedlinePlus
español Home Health Topics Drug Information Medical Encyclopedia Dictionary News Directories Other Resources

Other drug names: A-Am  An-Az  B  C-Ch  Ci-Cz  D-Dh  Di-Dz  E  F  G  H  I-J  K-L  M-Mh  Mi-Mz  N-Nh  Ni-Nz  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q-R  S-Sn  So-Sz  T-To  Tp-Tz  U-V  W-Z  0-9

Paroxetine

Printer-friendly versionE-mail this page to a friend
(pa rox' e teen)

Brand name(s): Paxil; Paxil CR

Contents of this page:

Why is this medication prescribed?

Paroxetine (Paxil) is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, panic attacks, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Paroxetine controlled-release (Paxil CR) is used to treat depression and panic attacks. Paroxetine is in a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain.

How should this medicine be used?

Paroxetine comes as a tablet, suspension, and controlled-release (long-acting) tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once daily in the morning and may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take paroxetine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Shake the suspension well before using.

Swallow the controlled-release tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.

Continue to take paroxetine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking paroxetine without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor will probably want to decrease your dose gradually. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.

Other uses for this medicine

Paroxetine is also used occasionally to treat headaches, diabetic leg pain, and premature ejaculation. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking paroxetine,

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you take paroxetine once a day in the morning, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. If you take paroxetine once a day at bedtime and do not remember to take it until the next morning, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Side effects from paroxetine are common, and include:

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to paroxetine.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription

Last Revised - 01/01/2003


ASHP Logo
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer

The MedMaster™ Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2004. All Rights Reserved.