Uses

What is paroxetine used for?

Paroxetine is commonly used for the following conditions.

Paroxetine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does paroxetine work (mechanism of action)?

Paroxetine is an antidepressant that belongs to a group of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the amount of a natural chemical called serotonin in the brain. 

How is paroxetine supplied (dosage forms)?

Paroxetine is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.

  • 7.5 mg oral capsules
  • 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 37.5 mg extended-release oral tablets
  • 10 mg/5mL oral suspension
  • 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg oral tablets

How should I store paroxetine?

Paroxetine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of paroxetine?

The most common side effects of paroxetine are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Sexual problems
  • Stomach problems like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
  • Dry mouth
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Nervousness
  • Sweating
  • Yawning
  • Weakness
  • Headache
  • Not feeling hungry
  • Blurry vision
  • Dizziness
  • Infection
  • Sleepiness or tiredness
  • Shaking

There may be other side effects of paroxetine that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of paroxetine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of paroxetine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Paroxetine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using paroxetine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Suicidal Thoughts or Actions. Paroxetine or other antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of children, teenagers, or young adults in the first few months of taking the medicine or when the dose is changed. Depression or other serious mental health conditions are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts or actions. If you or your child is about to harm themselves, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
  • Suicide attempt
  • New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in your mood or behavior

Serotonin Syndrome.  Serotonin syndrome is when there is too much of a substance called serotonin in your body. Paroxetine can cause serotonin syndrome when it is taken alone or with other medicines that affect serotonin. This condition can be life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of serotonin syndrome.

  • Sweating, fever, or flushing
  • Confusion
  • Feeling agitated or restless
  • Seeing or hearing unusual things
  • Dizziness
  • Fast or racing heartbeat
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Muscle twitching, stiffness, or tremor
  • Seizures

Abnormal Bleeding. People taking paroxetine or other antidepressants may have an increased risk of bleeding or bruising. You may be at higher risk if you are also taking aspirin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), like ibuprofen or naproxen, or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), apixaban (Eliquis), or rivaroxaban (Xarelto). Tell your healthcare provider if you notice any changes in how easily you bruise or bleed.

Extremely Elevated Mood (Mania). People with bipolar disorder have severe high and low moods. The first symptom of bipolar disorder may be depression. People with bipolar disorder who take an antidepressant, such as paroxetine, may have a higher risk of having mania or a manic episode. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a manic episode.

  • Dramatic increase in energy
  • Significant trouble sleeping
  • Your thoughts are racing and fast-paced
  • Engaging in reckless behavior
  • Having unusually grand ideas
  • Feeling excessively happy or irritable
  • Talking more or faster than usual

Seizures. Some people who have taken paroxetine have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking paroxetine and call your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

  • Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
  • Stiffening of your arms and legs
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Falling or losing consciousness

Glaucoma. Paroxetine may increase pressure inside the eye and cause or worsen narrow-angle glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of glaucoma.
Loss of vision

  • Eye pain or redness
  • Severe headache or vomiting
  • Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)

Low Sodium Level (Hyponatremia). Paroxetine may cause low sodium levels. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a low sodium level.

  • Headache
  • Drowsiness
  • Muscle weakness or cramps
  • Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
  • Tiredness or sleepiness
  • Dizziness
  • Weight gain
  • Restlessness or irritability
  • Change in your mental condition such as hallucinations, confusion, decreased awareness, or alertness
  • Seizures

Sexual Problems. Taking paroxetine or another selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) may cause sexual problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following sexual problems.

  • Decreased sex drive
  • Delayed ejaculation or unable to have an ejaculation
  • Problems getting or keeping an erection
  • Delayed orgasm or unable to have an orgasm

Bone Fractures. Taking paroxetine or another selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) may be related to bone fractures, but the research does not show a definite association. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following problems.

  • Bone pain
  • Tenderness
  • Swelling
  • Bruising

Movement Problems. Paroxetine may rarely cause involuntary movement problems, including shakiness, stiffness, or jerkiness. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any unusual or uncontrolled movements.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use paroxetine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use paroxetine.

  • Paroxetine
  • Paxil, Paxil CR
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific paroxetine products they stock.

Drug Interactions. Paroxetine should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking paroxetine, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
 

What should I know about paroxetine before using it?

You can take paroxetine with or without food.

Do not take paroxetine unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share paroxetine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep paroxetine out of the reach of children.

People who are 60 and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from paroxetine. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Do not stop taking paroxetine without talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping too quickly may cause serious side effects. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Anxiety, irritability, or high or low mood
  • Feeling restless
  • Changes in sleep habits
  • Headache
  • Sweating or shaking
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Electric-shock like feelings
  • Confusion

Paroxetine can make you feel tired or affect your thinking and reaction time. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness and coordination until you know how paroxetine affects you.

If using paroxetine oral suspension, shake the bottle well before measuring a dose with an accurate measuring device. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate measuring device.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using paroxetine?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if paroxetine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Heart problems
  • Bleeding problems
  • Bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania (or a family history of any of these conditions)
  • Seizures (or a history of seizures)
  • High pressure in the eye (glaucoma)
  • Low levels of sodium in your blood
  • Bone problems
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems

Pregnancy. Paroxetine may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

If you become pregnant while taking paroxetine, you can register for the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants by calling 866-961-2388 or at https://womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants/. This registry collects safety information about the use of antidepressant medicines during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. Paroxetine passes into your breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take paroxetine while breastfeeding. If you breastfeed while taking paroxetine, call your healthcare provider right away if your baby becomes sleepy or fussy, or is not feeding well or gaining weight.

Interactions

Does paroxetine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between paroxetine and foods or drinks.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking paroxetine. The combination can increase sleepiness or affect your alertness or concentration.

Does paroxetine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking paroxetine.

  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 2 weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease; this also includes intravenous methylene blue or the antibiotic linezolid
  • Pimozide, which is a medicine used for Tourette syndrome
  • Thioridazine, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
  • A medicine used to control your heart rate or rhythm (antiarrhythmic)
  • A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which are medicines commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • A type of medicine called a triptan, such as sumatriptan (Imitrex and others), eletriptan (Relpax), and others, which is commonly used to treat migraines
  • St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used to treat depression
  • Tryptophan, which is a supplement that may be used to treat mental health conditions
  • Lithium, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
  • A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression
  • Buspirone, which is a medicine for anxiety
  • Amphetamines, such as Adderall, which are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy
  • Opioid pain medicines, such as tramadol, methadone, or fentanyl
  • Medicines that affect bleeding, like a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), warfarin, or aspirin
  • Warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), which is a blood thinner
  • A medicine used to control your heart rate or rhythm (antiarrhythmic)
  • Tamoxifen, which is a medicine used to prevent or treat certain types of breast cancer
  • A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of paroxetine, and vice versa. Paroxetine interacts with many other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does Paroxetine interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much paroxetine?

If you or someone else has used too much paroxetine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of paroxetine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

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