What is Paxil: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Paxil overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Brisdelle, Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva

Generic Names:

  • Paroxetine Hcl

Uses:

  • Treats depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Brisdelle„¢ treats hot flashes caused by menopause. This medicine is an SSRI.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antidepressant, Central Nervous System Agent

Forms:

  • Capsule, Liquid, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What form(s) does Paxil come in

  • Capsule

  • Liquid

  • Tablet

  • Long Acting Tablet

What are common Paxil doses?

  • Tablet 10MG

  • Tablet 20MG

  • Tablet 30MG

  • Tablet 40MG

  • Bottle 250ML of 10MG/5ML

Common Paxil prescriptions

  • Paxil
    12 tablets bottle

  • Paxil
    15 tablets bottle

  • Paxil
    250ml of 10mg/5ml bottle

  • Paxil
    30 tablets bottle

  • Paxil
    10mg tablet

  • Paxil
    20mg tablet

  • Paxil
    30mg tablet

  • Paxil
    40mg tablet

How to take Paxil

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Oral liquid, Tablet, Extended-release Tablet: These are usually taken in the morning.

  • Brisdelle„¢ capsule: Take at bedtime.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Shake the bottle well just before you measure each dose.

  • Tablet or Extended-release Tablet: Swallow whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. Do not use an extended-release tablet that is cracked or chipped.

  • You may need to take this medicine for a month or longer before you feel better. If you feel that the medicine is not working well, do not take more than your normal dose. Call your doctor for instructions.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Oral liquid, Tablet, Extended-release Tablet: These are usually taken in the morning.

  • Brisdelle„¢ capsule: Take at bedtime.

  • You may need to take this medicine for a month or longer before you feel better. If you feel that the medicine is not working well, do not take more than your normal dose. Call your doctor for instructions.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Shake the bottle well just before you measure each dose.

  • Tablet or Extended-release Tablet: Swallow whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. Do not use an extended-release tablet that is cracked or chipped.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Paxil contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to paroxetine, or if you are pregnant.

Paxil warnings

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, glaucoma, or a history of epilepsy or seizures.

  • For some children, teenagers, and young adults, this medicine may increase mental or emotional problems. This may lead to thoughts of suicide and violence. Talk with your doctor right away if you have any thoughts or behavior changes that concern you. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has a history of bipolar disorder or suicide attempts.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Serotonin syndrome (may be life-threatening when used with certain other medicines)Low sodium levels in the bloodHigher risk of bleeding problemsHigher risk of broken bones

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

Paxil interactions

  • Do not use paroxetine and an MAO inhibitor within 14 days of each other. Do not use this medicine if you are using pimozide or thioridazine.

  • Some medicines can affect how paroxetine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Atomoxetine, buspirone, cimetidine, desipramine, dextromethorphan, digoxin, fentanyl, fosamprenavir/ritonavir, lithium, metoprolol, nebivolol, procyclidine, risperidone, St John's wort, tamoxifen, theophylline, tolterodine, tramadol, or tryptophan supplementsAmphetaminesBlood thinner (including clopidogrel, heparin, warfarin)Diuretic (water pill)Medicine for heart rhythm problems (including flecainide, propafenone)NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)Other medicine for depression or anxiety (including venlafaxine)Phenothiazine medicine (including chlorpromazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, promethazine)Triptan medicine for migraine headaches

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Serotonin syndrome (may be life-threatening when used with certain other medicines)Low sodium levels in the bloodHigher risk of bleeding problemsHigher risk of broken bones

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Paxil side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Confusion, weakness, and muscle twitching

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Anxiety, restlessness, fast heartbeat, fever, sweating, muscle spasms, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seeing or hearing things that are not there

  • Bone pain, tenderness, swelling, or bruising

  • Changes in behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself or others

  • Eye pain, vision changes, seeing halos around lights

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

  • Trouble keeping still, feeling restless and agitated, racing thoughts, excessive energy, trouble sleeping

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Dry mouth

  • Sexual problems

  • Blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, or sleepiness

  • Constipation, upset stomach, loss of appetite, weight loss