Paxil-CR is used for depression and/or social anxiety disorders. Your doctor may have prescribed Paxil to treat other conditions as well.
Paxil-CR should be taken about the same time every day, morning or evening and can be taken with or without food. It may up to 4 weeks to reach full effect, but you may see symptoms of depression improving in one to two weeks. Make sure that you know how the medicine affects you before driving or performing other hazardous tasks.
Nausea
headache
increased sweating
dizziness, lightheadedness
changes in sexual function
drowsiness
nervousness
insomnia
St. John’s Wort should be avoided while taking Paxil due to the additive effects of serotonin.
Starting doses and maximum doses are lower for patients over the age of 60.
Paroxetine is not recommended to treat depression in children or teenagers. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Do NOT stop taking this medicine abruptly without talking to your doctor.
It is recommended to avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss the benefits versus the risks of using this medicine while pregnant. Because this medicine is excreted in the breast milk, check with your doctor to discuss the risks to the baby.
Talk to your doctor if you are taking certain antibiotics such as erythromycin, clarithromycin or azithromycin. This medicine should not be taken with MAO inhibitors.
Take your next dose of Paxil-CR as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.
Store Paxil-CR at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.
