CLASS and MECHANISM of Action
Generic "Paxil" is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. It was released in 1992 and has since become one of the most prescribed antidepressants on the market due to its efficacy in treating depression as well as a spectrum of anxiety disorders ranging from panic attacks to phobias.
Active Ingredients: Paroxetine hydrochloride
Inactive Ingredients: dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycols, polysorbate 80, sodium starch glycolate, titanium dioxide, and 1 or more of the following: D&C Red No. 30, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Blue No. 2, FD&C Yellow No. 6.
What is Generic "Paxil" PRESCRIBED for?
Generic "Paxil" is primarily used to treat the symptoms of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia/social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It was the first antidepressant formally approved in the United States for the treatment of social anxiety disorder, causing it to be sometimes referred to (although inaccurately) as an anti-shyness drug.
How should I take Generic Generic "Paxil"?
It is usually taken once daily in the morning or evening, with or without food. You may want to take Generic "Paxil" with food to stop it from upsetting your stomach. To help you remember to take generic "Paxil", take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Generic "Paxil" exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Do not crush, chew, or break a controlled-release tablet. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of Generic "Paxil" and gradually increase your dose, not more than once a week.
STORAGE
Store at room temperature away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom) and light. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.
What are the CONTRADICTIONS for taking Generic "Paxil"?
Before taking Generic "Paxil", tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, seizures or epilepsy, or a manic disorder or suicidal thoughts. You may not be able to take Generic "Paxil", or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Generic "Paxil" is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Generic "Paxil" without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Generic "Paxil" passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take Generic "Paxil" without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
What Happens if I MISS A DOSE?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What Happens if I OVERDOSE?
In case of overdose, call emergency or your local poison control center. Symptoms of l overdose include nausea, vomiting, tremor, seizures, agitation, drowsiness, hyperactivity, and enlarged pupils.
What are the possible SIDE EFFECTS of Generic Generic "Paxil"?
General side effects are mostly present during the first 1-4 weeks while the body adapts to the drug. Almost all SSRIs are known to cause either one or more of these symptoms. A person receiving Generic "Paxil" treatment may experience a few, all, or none of the following side-effects, and most side-effects will disappear or lessen with continued treatment, though some may last throughout the duration.
- apathy
- pupil dilation
- nausea
Generic "Paxil" and other SSRIs have been shown to cause sexual side effects in most patients, both males and females. Although usually reversible, these sexual side effects can sometimes last for months, years or possibly indefinitely even after the drug has been completely withdrawn. This disorder is known as Post SSRI Sexual Dysfunction.
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What other drugs can INTERACT with Generic "Paxil"?
All SSRIs, including Generic "Paxil", should not be taken with any of the MAO (mono-amine oxidase) inhibitor-class of anti-depressants, for example, isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and procarbazine (Matulane). Such combinations may lead to confusion, high blood pressure, tremor, and increased activity. This same type of interaction may also occur with selegiline (Eldepryl), fenfluramine (Pondimin), and dexfenfluramine (Redux). The anti-ulcer medication, cimetidine (Tagamet) can increase the amount of Generic "Paxil" in the blood, possibly leading to side effects. Generic "Paxil" may increase the risk of bleeding in patients taking warfarin (Coumadin) although the mechanism for the interaction is not known. Tryptophan can cause headaches, nausea, sweating, and dizziness when taken with any SSRI. Phenytoin (Dilantin) and phenobarbital may decrease the amount of Generic "Paxil" in the body and possibly reducing its effectiveness.
Additional Information
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Generic "Paxil" may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness or dizziness while taking Generic "Paxil".
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