Before we get to the medication I need to remind you...
For this installment, I have chosen Paroxetine
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Paxil
GENERIC NAME(S): PAROXETINE HCL
Uses: Paroxetine is used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance (serotonin) in the brain.
**Please read this information carefully**
If you have any questions about what is provided here....talk with your doctor or pharmacist please.
- that what I am providing is NOT meant in any way to replace the conversation between you, your doctor, or your pharmacist
- please do not self-diagnose or make medical decisions about this drug without talking with qualified professionals
- the information provided here is the reference sheet you would find at WebMD. During my journey I found this site to be helpful in providing support. All credit for this information belongs to them. I copied it right from their website and I have removed the hyper-links. Please visit their site if you would like to read further.
For this installment, I have chosen Paroxetine
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Paxil
GENERIC NAME(S): PAROXETINE HCL
Uses: Paroxetine is used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance (serotonin) in the brain.
**Please read this information carefully**
If you have any questions about what is provided here....talk with your doctor or pharmacist please.
Paroxetine
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Paxil
GENERIC NAME(S): PAROXETINE HCL
Uses
Paroxetine is used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance (serotonin) in the brain.
Paroxetine is known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This medication may improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level and may help restore your interest in daily living. It may decrease fear, anxiety, unwanted thoughts, and the number of panic attacks. It may also reduce the urge to perform repeated tasks (compulsions such as hand-washing, counting, and checking) that interfere with daily living.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This medication may also be used to treat a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). It may also be used to treat hot flashes that occur with menopause.
How to use paroxetine
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking paroxetine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning. Taking this medication with food may decrease nausea. If this medication makes you sleepy during the day, then talk to your doctor about taking it in the evening.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may start you at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
The manufacturer directs not to chew/crush the tablet before taking it. However, many similar drugs (immediate-release tablets) can be chewed/crushed. Follow your doctor's directions on how to take this medication.
If you are taking paroxetine for premenstrual problems, your doctor may direct you to take it every day of the month or just for the 2 weeks before your period through the first full day of your period.
It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Also, you may experience symptoms such as mood swings, headache, tiredness, sleep changes, and brief feelings similar to electric shock. To prevent these symptoms while you are stopping treatment with this drug, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Report any new or worsening symptoms right away.
It may take up to several weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, weakness, dry mouth, sweating, blurred vision, and yawning may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: shaking (tremor), restlessness, inability to keep still, decreased interest in sex, changes in sexual ability, numbness/tingling, easy bruising/bleeding, fast/irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness/spasm, seizures.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, eye pain/swelling/redness, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night).
This medication may increase serotonin and rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity. The risk increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin, so tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take (see Drug Interactions section). Get medical help right away if you develop some of the following symptoms fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitching muscles, unexplained fever, unusual agitation/restlessness.
Rarely, males may have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours. If this occurs, stop using this drug and get medical help right away, or permanent problems could occur.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PAROXETINE Side Effects List by likelihood and severity.
The following side effects are associated with paroxetine:
Common side effects of paroxetine:
Cannot Empty Bladder Less Severe
Chronic Trouble Sleeping Less Severe
Diarrhea Less Severe
Difficult or Painful Urination Less Severe
Dizzy Less Severe
Drowsiness Less Severe
Dry Mouth Less Severe
Excessive Sweating Less Severe
Feel Like Throwing Up Less Severe
Feeling Weak Less Severe
Head Pain Less Severe
Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements Less Severe
Involuntary Quivering Less Severe
Loss of Appetite Less Severe
Nervous Less Severe
Problem with Ejaculation Less Severe
Sexual Problems Less Severe
Infrequent side effects of paroxetine:
Chest Pain Severe
Confused Severe
Feeling Restless Severe
Heart Throbbing or Pounding Severe
High Blood Pressure Severe
Muscle Pain Severe
Muscle Problems Severe
Muscle Weakness Severe
Myoclonus Severe
Problems with Eyesight Severe
Rash Severe
Sinus Irritation and Congestion Severe
Widening of Blood Vessels Severe
Abnormal Increase in Muscle Tone Less Severe
Altered Interest in Having Sexual Intercourse Less Severe
Anxious Less Severe
Backache Less Severe
Blurred Vision Less Severe
Cough Less Severe
Fast Heartbeat Less Severe
Frequent Urination Less Severe
Gas Less Severe
Inability to have an Erection Less Severe
Increased Hunger Less Severe
Indigestion Less Severe
Inflammation of the Nose Less Severe
Itching Less Severe
Joint Pain Less Severe
Mood Changes Less Severe
Numbness and Tingling Less Severe
Orgasm Problems Less Severe
Sensation of Spinning or Whirling Less Severe
Stomach Cramps Less Severe
Taste Problems Less Severe
Throwing Up Less Severe
Weight Gain Less Severe
Weight Loss Less Severe
Yawning Less Severe
Rare side effects of paroxetine:
A Feeling of Restlessness with Inability to Sit Still Severe
Abnormal Liver Function Tests Severe
Abnormally Long or Heavy Periods Severe
Acquired Decrease of All Cells in the Blood Severe
Anemia Severe
Angle-Closure Glaucoma caused by Another Disease Severe
Behaving with Excessive Cheerfulness and Activity Severe
Blood coming from Anus Severe
Broken Bone Severe
Continued Painful Erection Severe
Decreased Blood Platelets Severe
Decreased Function of Bone Marrow Severe
Decreased White Blood Cells Severe
Deficiency of Granulocytes a Type of White Blood Cell Severe
Diminished Movement Severe
Extrapyramidal Reaction Severe
Guillain-Barre Syndrome Severe
Hallucination Severe
Having Thoughts of Suicide Severe
Hemolytic Anemia Severe
Hyperactive Behavior Severe
Increased Risk of Bleeding Severe
Inflammation of the Large Intestine Severe
Large Purple or Brown Skin Blotches Severe
Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood Severe
Low Blood Counts due to Bone Marrow Failure Severe
Mild Degree of Mania Severe
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Severe
Reaction due to an Allergy Severe
Seizures Severe
Serotonin Syndrome - Adverse Drug Interaction Severe
Slow Heartbeat Severe
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Severe
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion Severe
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Severe
Voluntary Movement Difficulty Severe
Abnormally Low Blood Pressure Less Severe
Blood Pressure Drop Upon Standing Less Severe
Canker Sore Less Severe
Chills Less Severe
Difficulty Speaking Less Severe
Difficulty Swallowing Less Severe
Dilated Pupil Less Severe
Discharge of Milk in Men or Women when Not Breastfeeding Less Severe
Eczema Less Severe
Extreme Discomfort in Calves when Sitting or Lying Down Less Severe
Feeling Faint Less Severe
Grinding of the Teeth Less Severe
Infection due to the Candida Fungus Less Severe
Inflammation or Infection of Vagina Less Severe
Loss of Memory Less Severe
Migraine Headache Less Severe
Not Feeling Well Less Severe
Painful, Red or Swollen Tongue Less Severe
Ringing in the Ears Less Severe
Sun-Sensitive Skin Less Severe
Swollen Lymph Nodes Less Severe
Precautions
Before taking paroxetine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: personal or family history of bipolar/manic-depressive disorder, personal or family history of suicide attempts, liver problems, kidney problems, seizures, low sodium in the blood, intestinal ulcers/bleeding (peptic ulcer disease) or bleeding problems, personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type).
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially bleeding or loss of coordination. Older adults may also be more likely to develop a type of salt imbalance (hyponatremia), especially if they are also taking "water pills" (diuretics). Loss of coordination can increase the risk of falling.
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially loss of appetite and weight loss. Monitor weight and height in children who are taking this drug.
This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby, and babies born to mothers who have used it during the last 3 months of pregnancy may sometimes develop withdrawal symptoms such as feeding/breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness, or constant crying. However, since untreated mental/mood problems (such as depression, panic attack, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety) can harm a pregnant woman and her unborn baby, do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. Instead, ask your doctor if a different medication would be right for you. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: thioridazine, other drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, "blood thinners" such as warfarin).
Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding when used with this medication. However, if your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue taking it unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
This medication can slow down the removal of other medications from your body, which may affect how they work. Examples of affected drugs include atomoxetine, phenothiazines, pimozide, risperidone, tamoxifen, tetrabenazine, antiarrhythmics such as propafenone/flecainide, TCA antidepressants such as desipramine/amitriptyline, among others.
Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before and after treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication.
The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin. Examples include street drugs such as MDMA/"ecstasy," St. John's wort, certain antidepressants (including other SSRIs such as citalopram/fluoxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), tryptophan, among others. The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of these drugs.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
This medication may interfere with certain medical/laboratory tests (including brain scan for Parkinson's disease), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness, seizures.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Keep all regular medical and psychiatric appointments.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised March 2015. Copyright(c) 2015 First Databank, Inc.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Paxil
GENERIC NAME(S): PAROXETINE HCL
Uses
Paroxetine is used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance (serotonin) in the brain.
Paroxetine is known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This medication may improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level and may help restore your interest in daily living. It may decrease fear, anxiety, unwanted thoughts, and the number of panic attacks. It may also reduce the urge to perform repeated tasks (compulsions such as hand-washing, counting, and checking) that interfere with daily living.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This medication may also be used to treat a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). It may also be used to treat hot flashes that occur with menopause.
How to use paroxetine
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking paroxetine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning. Taking this medication with food may decrease nausea. If this medication makes you sleepy during the day, then talk to your doctor about taking it in the evening.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may start you at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
The manufacturer directs not to chew/crush the tablet before taking it. However, many similar drugs (immediate-release tablets) can be chewed/crushed. Follow your doctor's directions on how to take this medication.
If you are taking paroxetine for premenstrual problems, your doctor may direct you to take it every day of the month or just for the 2 weeks before your period through the first full day of your period.
It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Also, you may experience symptoms such as mood swings, headache, tiredness, sleep changes, and brief feelings similar to electric shock. To prevent these symptoms while you are stopping treatment with this drug, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Report any new or worsening symptoms right away.
It may take up to several weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, weakness, dry mouth, sweating, blurred vision, and yawning may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: shaking (tremor), restlessness, inability to keep still, decreased interest in sex, changes in sexual ability, numbness/tingling, easy bruising/bleeding, fast/irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness/spasm, seizures.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, eye pain/swelling/redness, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night).
This medication may increase serotonin and rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity. The risk increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin, so tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take (see Drug Interactions section). Get medical help right away if you develop some of the following symptoms fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitching muscles, unexplained fever, unusual agitation/restlessness.
Rarely, males may have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours. If this occurs, stop using this drug and get medical help right away, or permanent problems could occur.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PAROXETINE Side Effects List by likelihood and severity.
The following side effects are associated with paroxetine:
Common side effects of paroxetine:
Cannot Empty Bladder Less Severe
Chronic Trouble Sleeping Less Severe
Diarrhea Less Severe
Difficult or Painful Urination Less Severe
Dizzy Less Severe
Drowsiness Less Severe
Dry Mouth Less Severe
Excessive Sweating Less Severe
Feel Like Throwing Up Less Severe
Feeling Weak Less Severe
Head Pain Less Severe
Incomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements Less Severe
Involuntary Quivering Less Severe
Loss of Appetite Less Severe
Nervous Less Severe
Problem with Ejaculation Less Severe
Sexual Problems Less Severe
Infrequent side effects of paroxetine:
Chest Pain Severe
Confused Severe
Feeling Restless Severe
Heart Throbbing or Pounding Severe
High Blood Pressure Severe
Muscle Pain Severe
Muscle Problems Severe
Muscle Weakness Severe
Myoclonus Severe
Problems with Eyesight Severe
Rash Severe
Sinus Irritation and Congestion Severe
Widening of Blood Vessels Severe
Abnormal Increase in Muscle Tone Less Severe
Altered Interest in Having Sexual Intercourse Less Severe
Anxious Less Severe
Backache Less Severe
Blurred Vision Less Severe
Cough Less Severe
Fast Heartbeat Less Severe
Frequent Urination Less Severe
Gas Less Severe
Inability to have an Erection Less Severe
Increased Hunger Less Severe
Indigestion Less Severe
Inflammation of the Nose Less Severe
Itching Less Severe
Joint Pain Less Severe
Mood Changes Less Severe
Numbness and Tingling Less Severe
Orgasm Problems Less Severe
Sensation of Spinning or Whirling Less Severe
Stomach Cramps Less Severe
Taste Problems Less Severe
Throwing Up Less Severe
Weight Gain Less Severe
Weight Loss Less Severe
Yawning Less Severe
Rare side effects of paroxetine:
A Feeling of Restlessness with Inability to Sit Still Severe
Abnormal Liver Function Tests Severe
Abnormally Long or Heavy Periods Severe
Acquired Decrease of All Cells in the Blood Severe
Anemia Severe
Angle-Closure Glaucoma caused by Another Disease Severe
Behaving with Excessive Cheerfulness and Activity Severe
Blood coming from Anus Severe
Broken Bone Severe
Continued Painful Erection Severe
Decreased Blood Platelets Severe
Decreased Function of Bone Marrow Severe
Decreased White Blood Cells Severe
Deficiency of Granulocytes a Type of White Blood Cell Severe
Diminished Movement Severe
Extrapyramidal Reaction Severe
Guillain-Barre Syndrome Severe
Hallucination Severe
Having Thoughts of Suicide Severe
Hemolytic Anemia Severe
Hyperactive Behavior Severe
Increased Risk of Bleeding Severe
Inflammation of the Large Intestine Severe
Large Purple or Brown Skin Blotches Severe
Low Amount of Sodium in the Blood Severe
Low Blood Counts due to Bone Marrow Failure Severe
Mild Degree of Mania Severe
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Severe
Reaction due to an Allergy Severe
Seizures Severe
Serotonin Syndrome - Adverse Drug Interaction Severe
Slow Heartbeat Severe
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Severe
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion Severe
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Severe
Voluntary Movement Difficulty Severe
Abnormally Low Blood Pressure Less Severe
Blood Pressure Drop Upon Standing Less Severe
Canker Sore Less Severe
Chills Less Severe
Difficulty Speaking Less Severe
Difficulty Swallowing Less Severe
Dilated Pupil Less Severe
Discharge of Milk in Men or Women when Not Breastfeeding Less Severe
Eczema Less Severe
Extreme Discomfort in Calves when Sitting or Lying Down Less Severe
Feeling Faint Less Severe
Grinding of the Teeth Less Severe
Infection due to the Candida Fungus Less Severe
Inflammation or Infection of Vagina Less Severe
Loss of Memory Less Severe
Migraine Headache Less Severe
Not Feeling Well Less Severe
Painful, Red or Swollen Tongue Less Severe
Ringing in the Ears Less Severe
Sun-Sensitive Skin Less Severe
Swollen Lymph Nodes Less Severe
Precautions
Before taking paroxetine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: personal or family history of bipolar/manic-depressive disorder, personal or family history of suicide attempts, liver problems, kidney problems, seizures, low sodium in the blood, intestinal ulcers/bleeding (peptic ulcer disease) or bleeding problems, personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type).
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially bleeding or loss of coordination. Older adults may also be more likely to develop a type of salt imbalance (hyponatremia), especially if they are also taking "water pills" (diuretics). Loss of coordination can increase the risk of falling.
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially loss of appetite and weight loss. Monitor weight and height in children who are taking this drug.
This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby, and babies born to mothers who have used it during the last 3 months of pregnancy may sometimes develop withdrawal symptoms such as feeding/breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness, or constant crying. However, since untreated mental/mood problems (such as depression, panic attack, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety) can harm a pregnant woman and her unborn baby, do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. Instead, ask your doctor if a different medication would be right for you. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: thioridazine, other drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, "blood thinners" such as warfarin).
Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding when used with this medication. However, if your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue taking it unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
This medication can slow down the removal of other medications from your body, which may affect how they work. Examples of affected drugs include atomoxetine, phenothiazines, pimozide, risperidone, tamoxifen, tetrabenazine, antiarrhythmics such as propafenone/flecainide, TCA antidepressants such as desipramine/amitriptyline, among others.
Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before and after treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication.
The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin. Examples include street drugs such as MDMA/"ecstasy," St. John's wort, certain antidepressants (including other SSRIs such as citalopram/fluoxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), tryptophan, among others. The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of these drugs.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
This medication may interfere with certain medical/laboratory tests (including brain scan for Parkinson's disease), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness, seizures.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Keep all regular medical and psychiatric appointments.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised March 2015. Copyright(c) 2015 First Databank, Inc.
RSS Feed
