Download Paroxetine - Mersey Care

Information on PAROXETINE for
Service Users and their Families
This leaflet provides general information about your medication.
Manufacturer patient information leaflets are also provided with all
medicines. If you require further information, speak to your doctor,
pharmacist or nurse.
Paroxetine is also known as Seroxat or just paroxetine. It comes
as tablets or liquid.
Paroxetine is pronounced
Par-ox-eh-teen
Reviewed by:
DTC
On:
January 2014
Next Review:
January 2017
The Mersey Care Medicines Information Service1 regularly
updates this information sheet.
1
Medicines Information, Pharmacy, Mossley Hill Hospital, Park Avenue, Liverpool L18 8BU
What is Paroxetine for?
Paroxetine is part of a group of medicines called SSRI
antidepressants which are used to treat depression. Symptoms of
depression may include low mood, poor sleep appetite changes, a
loss of interest in everyday activities, and feelings of guilt.
Paroxetine is also used to treat other disorders such as panic
attacks, anxiety states, and obsessive disorders.
How should I take Paroxetine?
Before taking any paroxetine, tell your doctor if:
 you are allergic to paroxetine and any of its ingredients
 you suffer from heart, kidney or liver problems, epilepsy/fits,
diabetes, glaucoma, stomach ulcer, or elated mood/mania.
 you bruise or bleed easily
 you are taking ANY other medicines including those you have
bought yourself, especially other antidepressants, St John’s
Wort, antipsychotics, painkillers, antibiotics, migraine treatments
 you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breast-feeding
Your doctor will advise you on the daily dose you should take.
Paroxetine are usually taken in the morning, swallowed whole with
a glass of water, after food. If you are taking the liquid, you will be
supplied with the right measure. Never take more than the
prescribed dose. Ask your pharmacist or nurse if you are not sure
of anything.
Can I stop taking Paroxetine if I feel better?
It is better to discuss with your doctor how long you will need to be
on medication. Antidepressant medication tends to be taken long
term. If you want to stop your medication it is better to do it in
discussion with your doctor, and slowly so that you can be
monitored for any unpleasant withdrawal effects.
What if I forget a dose of Paroxetine?
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is
almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the
next dose at the usual time then continue your course as
prescribed. Do not double the dose or take extra doses to make up
for the missed dose.
When will Paroxetine start to work?
You may notice a little improvement and may feel worse in the first
few weeks of treatment with paroxetine. It may take a couple of
weeks or longer for the benefits of treatment to become noticeable.
Are there any side effects?
Paroxetine can cause side effects in some people, but they may
vary from person to person. Many side effects wear off over time.
Known side effects include:
 feeling or being sick
 restlessness
 stomach problems
 sweating
 constipation or diarrhoea
 nervousness and anxiety
 appetite/weight changes
 drowsiness
 feeling thirsty
 dizziness
 tiredness or weakness
 shakiness or tremor
 yawning, dry mouth
 difficulty sleeping
 headache
 sexual problems
Occasionally more serious side effects can occur. These include:
 allergy - such as difficulty breathing, itchy rash, and swelling
 confusion
 fast or slow heart beat
 eyesight problems
 difficulty passing urine
 fits
 unusual bleeding or
bruising
 liver problems
 distressing thoughts of harming or killing yourself
 bone fractures especially in people 50 years old and over
 serotonin syndrome (restlessness, high temperature sweating,
tremor, shivering, confusion, muscle twitching, fits)
If you are concerned about any side effects, talk to your doctor
nurse or pharmacist.
If you think a medicine has caused you an unwanted side effect,
please report the problem either on a Yellow Card form available
from your doctor, nurse or pharmacist OR online at this website
http://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/.
Can I take other medicines?
Other medicines may interact with paroxetine causing undesirable
effects. Medicines you can buy over the counter without a
prescription may interact with prescribed medicines. Always ask
your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicines.
Can I drive?
Paroxetine can make you feel drowsy and affect your
concentration and alertness. If you are affected in this way, do not
drive or work with heavy machinery.
Can I drink alcohol?
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking paroxetine. The combined
effects of paroxetine and alcohol can make you feel more drowsy
increasing the risk of falls and accidents. Alcohol can make
depression and anxiety worse.
Can I get pregnant or breast feed?
Medicines can have harmful effects at any time during pregnancy.
Some babies whose mothers took paroxetine during the first few
months of pregnancy have shown an increased risk of heart
defects. If you are pregnant, or are planning to get pregnant, you
should get advice from your doctor. You and your doctor or
specialist will decide if the potential benefits of treatment outweigh
the potential risks to the baby.
Paroxetine can be passed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, you should get your doctors advice.
What alternative treatments are there?
Paroxetine is an antidepressant known as a SSRI. Other SSRIs
include citalopram, sertraline and fluoxetine. A different group of
antidepressant known as the ‘tricyclic’ antidepressants like
amitriptyline and lofepramine are an alternative medication. Other
medications such as duloxetine, mirtazapine and venlafaxine may
be used to treat depression. Talking therapies may also be an
option. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to provide you with
further information about these medications.
IMPORTANT
Remember to keep medicines where children cannot see or reach
them. Never share medicines with others even if their symptoms
appear the same as yours.
NEVER EXCEED THE STATED DOSE OF YOUR MEDICINE