Paxil
Generic Name:
Paroxetine
Brand Names:
Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva
Paxil Description:
Paxil is an antidepressant medication manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline that is approved to treat the following conditions:
- Major depressive disorder, or clinical depression (MDD)
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
Paxil belongs to a class of medications known as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which work to restore the balance of serotonin, a brain chemical that can affect mood. The medication is available in various strengths, as well as in immediate-release or time-released formulas.
Paxil Side Effects:
Serious side effects of Paxil include:
- Suicidal tendencies in young patients
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Birth defects
For more information, see our Paxil side effects page.
Paxil Uses:
Paxil is a prescription medication primarily used to treat clinical depression, known as major depressive disorder, a condition characterized by symptoms of dysphoric moods that interfere with daily life and last for at least two weeks.
Paxil may also be used in the treatment of OCD, GAD, panic disorder, PTSD and SAD. The medication works to balance levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain, which can help to stabilize moods.
Off-label uses of Paxil which are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) include migraine headaches, premature ejaculation, diabetic neuropathy pain and fibromyalgia.
Paxil Interactions:
Tell your doctor about all medications you may be taking along with Paxil, including vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products. The following medications may negatively interact with Paxil:
- Anti-migraine drugs (specifically, triptans)
- Aspirin
- Atomoxetine
- Cimetidine
- Epilepsy drugs
- Fentanyl
- HIV medications
- Ibuprofen
- Linezolid (Zyvox)
- Lithium
- Medications for irregular heart beat
- Metoprolol
- Other antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, etc.)
- Phenelzine (Nardil)
- Pimozide (Orap)
- Procyclidine
- St. John's wort
- Tamoxifen
- Thioridazine (Mellaril)
- Tramadol
- Tranylcypromine (Parnate)
- Warfarin
Patients must wait at least 14 days after stopping use of an MAO inhibitor medication before taking Paxil, as serious side effects may occur if the medications are used simultaneously.
Paxil Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Paxil doses can vary among patients depending on the severity of the condition being treated, and it is important to follow the guidelines established by a physician.
Paxil is generally taken as a single daily dose in the morning, with or without food. Dosing indications are as follows:
- Major depressive disorder- 20 to 50 mg/day
- Generalized anxiety disorder- 20 to 50 mg/day
- Obsessive compulsive disorder- 20 to 60 mg/day
- Panic disorder- 10 to 60 mg/day
- Posttraumatic stress disorder- 20 to 50 mg/day
- Social anxiety disorder-20 to 60 mg/day
If the extended-release form of Paxil is prescribed (Paxil CR), dosages may vary.
Missing a Dose of Paxil
If you forget to take a dose of Paxil, take the missed dose as soon as possible, but do not take two doses to make up for a missed dose.
Paxil Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have overdosed on this medication. Symptoms of overdose include:
- Aggression
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Decreased urination
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Seizures
- Sweating
- Tremor
Paxil FDA Approval:
December 29, 1992
Paxil Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Black Box Warning
There is a black box warning on all SSRI antidepressant medications concerning the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior among children, teens and young adults taking the medications. Clinical studies did not indicate this same increased risk in patients older than age 24, but all patients should be aware of the risk.
Birth Defects
In 2006, the FDA released an alert concerning the connection between SSRI antidepressant use among pregnant woman and an increased risk of a serious condition known as persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). Babies born to mothers who took Paxil or other SSRI medications were shown to be six times more likely to have PPHN at birth than mothers who did not take SSRI medications.
Additionally, a serious heart defect known as hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) may be linked to the use of Paxil during the first trimester of pregnancy, while the fetal heart is developing.
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