Paxil (Paroxetine) belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This medication helps treating depression and other mental illnesses by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance. Paxil is used to treat depression, including major depressive disorder. It is also used to treat panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Doctor's prescription is required to use this medicine.

Always use Paxil as directed by your physician.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Paxil (Paroxetine) comes as a tablet to take by mouth and could be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole; do not chew or crush them. Paxil is usually taken once daily in the morning or evening. Take paxil at around the same time every day. It may take several weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Do not stop using Paxil suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Always use Paxil exactly as directed by your doctor.

Before using Paxil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or any other medications. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history. Tell your doctor about all the other prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking.

You should not use Paxil if you are allergic to paroxetine, or if you are also taking pimozide or thioridazine.

Do not use an MAO inhibitor within 14 days before or 14 days after you take paroxetine. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. After you stop taking Paxil you must wait at least 14 days before you start taking an MAO inhibitor.

Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

Taking an SSRI antidepressant such as Paxil during pregnancy may cause serious lung problems or other complications in the baby. However, you may have a relapse of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Do not start or stop taking this medicine without your doctor's advice.

You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

Paxil is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

-Allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-Anxious
-Black, tarry stools
-Changes in vision
-Confusion
-Elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, impulsive behavior
-Eye pain
-Fast, irregular heartbeat
-Feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
-Feeling agitated, angry, or irritable
-Hallucination, loss of contact with reality
-Loss of balance or coordination
-Loss of memory
-Restlessness, pacing, inability to keep still
-Seizures
-Stiff muscles
-Suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
-Trouble sleeping
-Unusual bleeding or bruising
-Unusually weak or tired
-Vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

-Change in appetite or weight
-Change in sex drive or performance
-Diarrhea
-Dizziness
-Dry mouth
-Headache
-Increased sweating
-Indigestion, nausea
-Tired
-Tremors

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line. An overdose of paroxetine can be fatal.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store at room temperature.

Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I avoid while taking this medication?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how paroxetine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Ask your doctor before taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Using an NSAID with Paxil may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.