What should I know about Paxil?
As any other antidepressant, Paxil may cause suicidal thoughts when you start taking it. The risk is higher if a person is younger than 24 years old. If you start taking Paxil, you will need to be observed by your doctor on a regular basis for at least first 3 months of the treatment.
Paxil is not recommended to use if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy; it may lead to serious health issues in a newborn baby, such as heart defects or heavy lung problems, most probably life-threatening. At the same time you might have a relapse of depression if you stop taking Paxil suddenly. This is why you need to discuss with your doctor any plans for pregnancy or if you become pregnant during the treatment.
Also, you must not use Paxil together with:
- MAO inhibitors
- Pimozide (Orap)
- hioridazine (Mellari)
Interaction of Paxil with these drugs may result in serious, sometimes fatal, reactions. A period of at least two weeks must be kept before you can use Paxil after stopping an MAOI treatment and vice versa. To ensure the safety of taking Paxil you must inform your doctor about any medical conditions you have, especially if you suffer from:
- A bleeding or blood clotting disorder
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Seizures
- Epilepsy
- Bipolar disorder (manic)
- A record of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts
You must also inform your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs. This will allow your doctor to make necessary dose adjustments according to your condition.
How should I take Paxil?
You are expected to take Paxil exactly as prescribed. Do not change the dose or take the medicine for periods longer than instructed by a doctor.
You should take Paxil at the same time each day, following your prescription directions.
Paxil tablets have a controlled-release form. This is why you must not chew, crush or break them – it has to be swallowed as a whole.
Paxil in liquid form must be shaken before measuring the dose. To avoid dose miscalculations use only specially marked measuring spoons or medical cups, do not use regular table spoons. Ask your local pharmacist if you have not got one.
It may require up to a month before you start feeling an improvement. Contact your doctor if you see no improvements to your condition after that time.
Store Paxil in a cool dry place.
Paxil belongs to the group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. It helps to treat certain mood issues by restoring serotonin balance. Paxil was developed for treating depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It may also be used for purposes other than described.