Generic Name: Paroxetine (pa-ROX-e-teen) What Is It Used For? Paxil is most commonly used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Paxil may also be used for purposes other than those listed here. How Is It Used? Take Paxil exactly as directed by your doctor. Take each dose with water. Swallow the controlled-release tablets (Paxil CR) whole, without crushing or chewing. They are specially formulated to release the medication slowly in the body. Paxil may be taken with or without food. Try to take Paxil at the same time each day. Do not stop taking Paxil without first talking to your doctor. It may take 4 weeks or more for you to start feeling better and unpleasant side effects may be experienced if you stop taking Paxil suddenly. Are There Possible Side Effects? Stop taking Paxil and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment if you experience any of the following:an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); an irregular heartbeat or pulse;low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness); high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision); unusual bleeding or bruising; or fever or chills. Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Paxil and talk to your doctor if you experience headache; tremor, nervousness, or anxiety; nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite or weight. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. Is It Safe? You may not be able to take Paxil, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. 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 Paxil without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Paxil passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take Paxil without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. What About Interactions With Other Drugs? Do not take Paxil if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during the last 2 weeks. Serious, and sometimes fatal, reactions have occurred when these medicines have been used together. Also, do not take Paxil if you are taking thioridazine (Mellaril). Dangerous, even fatal irregular heartbeats may occur if these medicines are taken together. You must wait 5 weeks after stopping Paxil before taking thioridazine (Mellaril). Before taking Paxil, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, seizures or epilepsy, or a manic disorder or suicidal thoughts. Do not take Paxil without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant, could become pregnant during treatment or breast-feeding a baby. What If I Miss A Dose? Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. How Should It Be Stored? Store it at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. Anything Else I Should Know? Paxil is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Paxil affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression, panic or anxiety, or obsessive or compulsive symptoms. Paxil is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product