Paroxetine is used to treat depression, attacks of panic and anxiety, social disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and flushes of heat during menopause. It can also be used in treatment of chronic headaches, tingling in the hands and feet caused by diabetes and some sexual problems.
Moreover, in combination with other drugs, it can be used against bipolar disorder.
What is Paroxetine?
Paroxetine is a drug that belongs to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the levels of serotonin, molecule known as "good mood hormone." In this way, it counteracts depression and other psychological disorders. The mechanism by which it counteracts hot flashes is not yet fully understood.
How should Paroxetine be taken?
Paroxetine is taken orally in the form of tablets, prolonged-release tablets or suspensions. The dosage is generally one dose per day, taken as appropriate in the morning or in the evening. It is recommended to take it on a full stomach to avoid stomach problems.
Side effects associated with Paroxetine
Paroxetine can cause narrow-angle glaucoma.
The other possible adverse effects of the active ingredient may also include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Nervousness
- Forgetfulness
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Gastrointestinal constipation
- Stomach ache
- Heartburn
- Altered taste
- Decrease in appetite
- Weight changes
- Sexuality alterations
- Dry mouth
- Sweats
- Tendency to yawn
- Sensitivity to light
- Tightness in the throat
- Back, muscle, and bone pain
- Sensitivity or swollen joints
- Weakness or muscle stiffness
- Redness
- Hassles to teeth and gums
- Strange dreams
- Painful or irregular menstrual cycle
It is important to consult with a doctor immediately if Paroxetine triggers any of the following symptoms:
- Visual or auditory hallucinations
- Fainting
- Fast, heavy, or irregular heartbeat
- Chest pains
- Convulsions
- Fever, sweating, confusion, and severe muscle stiffness or spasms
- Bruising or bleeding
- Presence of small red spots under the skin
- Blisters or peeling of the skin
- Sore throat, fever, chills, cough and other symptoms of infection
- Uncontrollable tremors
- Instability while walking
- Sudden uncontrollable muscle spasms
- Numbness or tingling in hands, feet, arms or legs
- Difficult, frequent or painful urination
- Swelling, itching, burning, or vaginal infections
- Painful erections that last for hours
- Sudden nausea, vomiting, weakness, cramps, bloating, dizziness, tension in the hands and feet, headache, confusion
- Urticaria
- Skin rash
- Itch
- Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles or calves
- Hoarseness
- Bloody stools or dark
- Coffee-like or bloody vomit
- Bone pain
- Sensitivity to touch, swelling or bruises on the body
- In children, decreased appetite and weight loss
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Paroxetine
Paroxentine can interfere with your ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery.
Moreover, before taking Paroxetine it is recommended to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergy to the active substance, to other components or to other medications
- You are taking other medications, herbal remedies or supplements, remembering to mention MAO inhibitors (even though treatment was stopped in the previous 2 weeks) and other antidepressants, anticoagulants, antihistamines, NSAIDs, atomoxetine, atazanavir, bromocriptine, brupropione, buspirone, celecoxib, chlorpromazine, cimetidine, clopidogrel, codeine, dexamethasone, dextromethorphan, diazepam, dicloxacillin, digoxin, dipyridamole, diuretics, fentanyl, fosmprenavir, haloperidol, isoniazid, litho, antiarrhythmic drugs, psychotropic drugs, anticonvulsants, meperidine, methadone, procyclidine, propranolol, ranitidine, rifampin , risperidone, tionavir, sibutramine, tamoxifen, terbinafine, theophylline, ticlopidine, timolol, tramadol, trazodone, venlafaxine, tryptophan and St. John's wort
- You are (or have been) using or abusing drugs
- You have suffered recent stroke, convulsions, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver disease, kidney or heart disease or low levels of sodium in the blood
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
Finally, you must notify surgeons and dentists of ongoing therapies with Paroxetine prior to any procedure.
