Paxil
Prescription Medication
Paroxetine belongs to the class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is used for the treatment of depression, panic disorder, social phobia (social anxiety disorder), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (mood changes before menstruation). It works by affecting the balance of chemicals in the brain that are associated with depression and anxiety disorders. This formulation is designed to release paroxetine over a longer period of time. It may take several weeks before the full beneficial effects of this medication are achieved.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
The recommended adult dose of paroxetine controlled release ranges from 12.5 mg to 75 mg once daily in the morning, with or without food. The dose depends on the individual and on the condition being treated. Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew or crush it.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
12.5 mg
Each yellow, round and biconvex, enteric, film-coated, controlled-release tablet, with the product name engraved on one side and strength engraved on the other side, contains paroxetine HCl equivalent to paroxetine 12.5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, D&C Yellow No. 10 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake, glyceryl behenate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid copolymer type C, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium lauryl sulphate, talc, titanium dioxide, triethyl citrate and yellow ferric oxide.
25 mg
Each pink, round and biconvex, enteric, film-coated, controlled-release tablet, with the product name engraved on one side and strength engraved on the other side, contains paroxetine HCl equivalent to paroxetine 25 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, D&C Red No. 30 Aluminum Lake, glyceryl behenate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid copolymer type C, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, polyvinylpyrrolidone, red ferric oxide, sodium lauryl sulphate, talc, titanium dioxide and triethyl citrate.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Paroxetine should not be used by anyone who:
· is taking a MAO inhibitor (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine, moclobemide) or has taken a MAO inhibitor within the past 2 weeks
· has an allergy to paroxetine or any ingredients of the medication
· takes thioridazine
· takes pimozide
Do not start treatment with an MAO inhibitor until at least two weeks after stopping treatment with paroxetine controlled release.