Paroxetine, Oral Tablet

What is paroxetine?

Paroxetine oral tablet is a prescription drug that’s available as a generic drug. It comes in immediate-release and extended-release forms. “Immediate release” means the drug is released into your body right away. “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time. These forms are available as the brand-name drugs Paxil, which is immediate release, and Paxil CR, which is extended release.

Generic drugs usually cost less than brand-name versions. In some cases, they may not be available in all strengths or forms as brand-name drugs.

The conditions paroxetine is used to treat can vary depending on the form as well as whether the generic or brand-name version is prescribed.

Paroxetine also comes as an oral capsule and an oral solution. This article focuses on paroxetine oral tablet. Unless otherwise stated, the information applies to both the immediate-release and extended-release forms.

Why it’s used

Doctors may prescribe paroxetine immediate-release oral tablet to treat the following conditions in adults:

• major depressive disorder, commonly referred to as depression
• obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• panic disorder
• social anxiety disorder
• generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Paroxetine extended-release oral can be prescribed to treat the following in adults:

• major depressive disorder
• panic disorder
• social anxiety disorder
• premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a severe form of premenstrual syndrome

Paroxetine may be used as part of a combination therapy. This means you may need to take it with other medications.

How it works

Paroxetine belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.

Paroxetine increases the amount of the chemical serotonin that your body makes and releases in your brain. Serotonin has many functions. For example, it helps with symptoms of depression, compulsions, stress, and anxiety.

Paroxetine side effects

Paroxetine can cause mild or serious side effects. The following text lists some of the key side effects that may occur while taking paroxetine. This section does not include all possible side effects.

For more information on the possible side effects of paroxetine, or tips on how to manage a bothersome side effect, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: Paroxetine oral tablet can cause drowsiness and may affect your ability to make decisions, think clearly, or react quickly. You should not drive, use heavy machinery, or do other activities for which you need to be alert until you know how this drug affects you.

More common side effects

The more common side effects of paroxetine oral tablet can include:

• nausea
• sleepiness or sleeplessness
• weakness
• dizziness
• anxiety
• delayed ejaculation or erectile dysfunction
• decreased sexual desire
• sweating
• shaking
• decreased appetite
• dry mouth
• constipation
• infection
• yawning

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or do not go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

• Changes in mood, anxiety, or behavior, such as:
  • new or worsened depression
  • new or worsened anxiety or panic attacks
  • suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • acting on dangerous impulses
  • acting aggressive or violent
  • agitation, restlessness, anger, or irritability
  • sleeplessness
  • mania (increase in activity or talking more than what is typical for you)
• Serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome-like reactions. Symptoms can include:
  • agitation
  • confusion or difficulty thinking
  • hallucinations (seeing or hearing something that’s not really there)
  • coordination problems or muscle twitching (overactive reflexes)
  • muscle rigidity
  • racing heartbeat
  • high or low blood pressure
  • sweating
  • fever
  • nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Eye problems, such as:
  • eye pain
  • changes in vision
  • swelling or redness in or around your eyes
• Severe allergic reactions. Symptoms can include:
  • difficulty breathing
  • swelling of your face, tongue, eyes, or mouth
  • rash
  • hives (itchy welts)
  • blisters
  • fever
  • joint pain
• Atypical bleeding
• Seizures or convulsions
• Manic episodes. Symptoms can include:
  • greatly increased energy
  • severe difficulty sleeping
  • racing thoughts
  • reckless behavior
  • unusually grand ideas
  • excessive happiness or irritability
  • talking more or faster than usual
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Low sodium levels. Symptoms can include:
  • headache
  • weakness or feeling unsteady
  • confusion, problems concentrating or thinking, or memory problems
• Bone fracture. Symptoms can include:
  • unexplained bone pain
  • tenderness
  • swelling
  • bruising

Paroxetine and suicide

SSRIs, such as paroxetine, may cause or increase suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The risk is especially high during the first few months of treatment or following a change in dosage. Children, teenagers, and young adults are at highest risk for these symptoms. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any unusual or sudden changes in behaviors, thoughts, or mood when taking this drug.

Paroxetine may interact with other medications

Paroxetine can interact with several other medications. Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some can interfere with how well a drug works, while others can cause increased side effects.

Here you’ll find examples of medications that can interact with paroxetine. This section does not list all drugs that may interact with paroxetine.

Before taking paroxetine, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Drugs you should not take with paroxetine

Do not take the following drugs with paroxetine. Taking these drugs with paroxetine can cause dangerous effects in your body.

• Thioridazine: Taking thioridazine with paroxetine can cause serious heart rhythm problems or even be fatal.
• Pimozide: Taking pimozide with paroxetine can cause serious heart problems.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Taking MAOIs with paroxetine greatly increases your risk of serotonin syndrome. Examples of MAOIs include isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), and tranylcypromine (Parnate). You should wait at least 14 days between the use of paroxetine and these drugs.
• Linezolid and intravenous methylene blue: Taking linezolid (Zyvox) or intravenous methylene blue (ProvayBlue) with paroxetine increases your risk of serotonin syndrome so much that they should not be used together.

In addition, you should not take the following supplement with paroxetine:

• Tryptophan: Taking tryptophan with paroxetine increases your risk of serotonin syndrome. (For a list of symptoms caused by serotonin syndrome, see the “Paroxetine side effects” section.)

Interactions that can increase your risk of side effects

Taking paroxetine with certain drugs raises your risk of side effects. Examples of these drugs include:

• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn), and aspirin
• triptans such as sumatriptan (Imitrex)
• lithium (Lithobid)
• serotonergic drugs, such as fentanyl and tramadol
• amphetamines, such as lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) and methamphetamine (Desoxyn)
• theophylline (Theo-24)
• risperidone (Risperdal)
• cimetidine (Tagamet HB)
• antiarrhythmics, such as flecainide and propafenone
• phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine and fluphenazine
• tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as amitriptyline, imipramine, and desipramine (Norpramin)
• quinidine

The supplement St. John’s wort can also increase your risk of side effects when taken together with paroxetine.

Interactions that can make drugs less effective

Taking paroxetine with certain drugs may cause one or both of the drugs to not work as well. This is because the interaction between the drugs may cause a decrease of paroxetine or the other drug in your body. Examples of these drugs include:

• tamoxifen (Soltamox)
• digoxin (Lanoxin)
• protease inhibitors, such as fosamprenavir and ritonavir (Norvir)
• phenobarbital (Sezaby)
• phenytoin (Dilantin)

How to take paroxetine

The paroxetine dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

• your age
• the condition being treated
• how severe your condition is
• other medical conditions you have
• the form of paroxetine prescribed
• how you react to the first dose

Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the dosage that’s right for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to suit your needs.

Forms and strengths

Generic: Paroxetine

• Form: Immediate-release oral tablet
• Strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg

• Form: Extended-release oral tablet
• Strengths: 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 37.5 mg

Brand: Paxil

• Form: Immediate-release oral tablet
• Strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg

Brand: Paxil CR

• Form: Extended-release oral tablet
• Strengths: 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 37.5 mg

Dosage for major depressive disorder

The dosage for major depressive disorder, commonly referred to as depression, depends on which form of paroxetine your doctor prescribes.

Adult dosage (ages 18 to 64 years)

• Immediate-release oral tablet:
  • The typical starting dosage is 20 mg once per day.
  • If you do not respond to a 20-mg dose, your doctor will start increasing your dosage each week by 10 mg once per day.
  • Your maximum daily dosage should not exceed 50 mg once per day.
• Extended-release oral tablet:
  • The typical starting dosage is 25 mg once per day.
  • If you do not respond to a 25-mg dose, your doctor will increase your dosage each week by 12.5 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 62.5 mg once per day.

Child dosage (ages 0 to 17 years)

It has not been confirmed that this drug is safe and effective for use in people younger than age 18 years.

Older adult dosage (ages 65 years and older)

• Immediate-release oral tablet:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 10 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 40 mg once per day.
• Extended-release oral tablet:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 12.5 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 50 mg once per day.

Special dosage considerations

For people with severe kidney disease:

• Immediate-release oral tablet:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 10 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 40 mg once per day.
• Extended-release oral tablet:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 12.5 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 50 mg once per day.

For people with severe liver disease:

• Immediate-release oral tablet:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 10 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 40 mg once per day.
• Extended-release oral tablet:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 12.5 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 50 mg once per day.

Dosage for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Only paroxetine immediate-release oral tablet is prescribed for obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Adult dosage (ages 18 to 64 years)

• Immediate-release oral tablet:
  • The typical starting dosage is 20 mg once per day.
  • The target dosage is 40 mg once per day. Your doctor will increase your dosage each week by 10 mg once per day to get to the target dosage.
  • The maximum dosage is 60 mg once per day.

Child dosage (ages 0 to 17 years)

It has not been confirmed that this drug is safe and effective for use in people younger than age 18 years.

Older adult dosage (ages 65 years and older)

• Immediate-release oral tablet:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 10 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 40 mg once per day.

Special dosage considerations

For people with severe kidney disease:

• Immediate-release oral tablet:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 10 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 40 mg once per day.

For people with severe liver disease:

• Immediate-release oral tablet:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 10 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 40 mg once per day.

Dosage for panic disorder

The dosage for panic disorder depends on which form of paroxetine your doctor prescribes.

Adult dosage (ages 18 to 64 years)

• Immediate-release oral tablet:
  • The typical starting dosage is 10 mg once per day.
  • The target dosage is 40 mg once per day. Your doctor will increase your dosage each week by 10 mg once per day to get to the target dosage.
  • The maximum dosage is 60 mg once per day.
• Extended-release oral tablet:
  • The initial dosage is 12.5 mg once per day.
  • If you do not respond to a 12.5-mg dose, your doctor will increase your dosage each week by 12.5 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 75 mg once per day.

Child dosage (ages 0 to 17 years)

It has not been confirmed that this drug is safe and effective for use in people younger than age 18 years.

Older adult dosage (ages 65 years and older)

• Immediate-release oral tablet:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 10 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 40 mg once per day.
• Extended-release oral tablet:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 12.5 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 50 mg once per day.

Special dosage considerations

For people with severe kidney disease:

• Immediate-release oral tablet:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 10 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 40 mg once per day.
• Extended-release oral tablet:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 12.5 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 50 mg once per day.

For people with severe liver disease:

• Immediate-release oral tablet:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 10 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 40 mg once per day.
• Extended-release oral tablet:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 12.5 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 50 mg once per day.

Dosage for social anxiety disorder

The dosage for social anxiety disorder depends on which form of paroxetine your doctor prescribes.

Adult dosage (ages 18 to 64 years)

• Immediate-release oral tablet:
  • The typical starting dosage is 20 mg once per day.
  • If a 20-mg daily dose is not enough, your doctor will start increasing your dosage each week by 10 mg once per day.
  • The recommended dosage to treat social anxiety disorder is 20 to 60 mg once per day.
• Extended-release oral tablet:
  • The initial dosage is 12.5 mg once per day.
  • If you do not respond to a 12.5-mg daily dose, your doctor will increase your dosage each week by 12.5 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 37.5 mg once per day.

Child dosage (ages 0 to 17 years)

It has not been confirmed that this drug is safe and effective for use in people younger than age 18 years.

Older adult dosage (ages 65 years and older)

• Immediate-release oral tablet:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 10 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 40 mg once per day.
• Extended-release oral tablet:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 12.5 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 50 mg once per day.

Special dosage considerations

For people with severe kidney disease:

• Immediate-release oral tablet:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 10 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 40 mg once per day.
• Extended-release oral tablet:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 12.5 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 50 mg once per day.

For people with severe liver disease:

• Immediate-release oral tablet:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 10 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 40 mg once per day.
• Extended-release oral tablet:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 12.5 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 50 mg once per day.

Dosage for generalized anxiety disorder

Only paroxetine immediate-release oral tablet is prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder.

Adult dosage (ages 18 to 64 years)

• Immediate-release oral tablet:
  • The typical starting dosage is 20 mg once per day.
  • If a 20-mg daily dose is not enough, your doctor will start increasing your dosage each week by 10 mg once per day.
  • The recommended dosage to treat generalized anxiety disorder is 20 to 50 mg once per day.

Child dosage (ages 0 to 17 years)

It has not been confirmed that this drug is safe and effective for use in people younger than age 18 years.

Older adult dosage (ages 65 years and older)

• Immediate-release oral tablet:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 10 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 40 mg once per day.

Special dosage considerations

For people with severe kidney disease:

• Immediate-release oral tablet:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 10 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 40 mg once per day.

For people with severe liver disease:

• Immediate-release oral tablet:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 10 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 40 mg once per day.

Dosage for post-traumatic stress disorder

Only paroxetine immediate-release oral tablet is prescribed for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Adult dosage (ages 18 to 64 years)

• Immediate-release oral tablet:
  • The typical starting dosage is 20 mg once per day.
  • If a 20-mg daily dose is not enough, your doctor will start increasing your dosage each week by 10 mg once per day.
  • The recommended dosage to treat post-traumatic stress disorder is 20 to 50 mg once per day.

Child dosage (ages 0 to 17 years)

It has not been confirmed that this drug is safe and effective for use in people younger than age 18 years.

Older adult dosage (ages 65 years and older)

• Immediate-release oral tablet:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 10 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 40 mg once per day.

Special dosage considerations

For people with severe kidney disease:

• Immediate-release oral tablet:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 10 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 40 mg once per day.

For people with severe liver disease:

• Immediate-release oral tablet:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 10 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 40 mg once per day.

Dosage for premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Only paroxetine extended-release oral tablet is prescribed for premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Adult dosage (ages 18 to 64 years)

• Extended-release oral tablet:
  • The typical starting dosage is 12.5 mg once per day, usually taken in the morning.
  • Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may increase your dosage up to 25 mg once per day.
  • Dose changes should occur at intervals of at least 1 week.
  • The maximum dosage is 50 mg once per day.

Child dosage (ages 0 to 17 years)

It has not been confirmed that this drug is safe and effective for use in people younger than age 18 years.

Older adult dosage (ages 65 years and older)

• Extended-release oral tablets:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 12.5 mg once per day
  • The maximum dosage is 50 mg once per day.

Special dosage considerations

For people with severe kidney disease:

• Extended-release oral tablets:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 12.5 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 50 mg once per day.

For people with severe liver disease:

• Extended-release oral tablets:
  • The recommended starting dosage is 12.5 mg once per day.
  • The maximum dosage is 50 mg once per day.

Paroxetine warnings

Paroxetine oral tablet comes with several warnings.

Serotonin syndrome warning

Paroxetine can cause a potentially life threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. This condition can be caused by this drug alone or with the use of other medications that have similar effects. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome can include:

• agitation
• hallucinations (seeing or hearing something that’s not really there)
• confusion or difficulty thinking
• coordination problems or muscle twitching (overactive reflexes)

Worsening depression warning

Paroxetine may worsen your depression. If you experience any unusual changes in behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment or when your dose changes, call your doctor. Symptoms to watch for include:

• anxiety
• restlessness
• panic attacks
• sleeplessness
• irritability
• aggressiveness
• acting on dangerous impulses
• suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• extreme mood changes

Stopping treatment warning

If you’re stopping treatment with this drug, it should be done gradually over 2 to 4 weeks and with your doctor’s guidance. You should not stop taking this drug abruptly, as doing so may cause withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on. With dependence, your body needs the drug to function as usual.

Symptoms of withdrawal include:

• anxiety
• irritability
• restlessness
• changes in sleep habits
• headache
• sweating
• nausea
• dizziness
• shaking
• confusion

If you have any of these symptoms after stopping paroxetine treatment, contact your doctor.

Allergy warning

This drug can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:

• difficulty breathing
• swelling of your face, tongue, eyes, or mouth
• rash, itchy welts (hives), or blisters, alone or with fever or joint pain

If you have an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

You should not take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal.

Alcohol interaction

You should avoid drinks that contain alcohol when taking this drug.

Warnings for people with certain health conditions

For people with glaucoma: Paroxetine may dilate the pupils, which could trigger a glaucoma attack. Notify your doctor if you have glaucoma before taking this drug.

For people with bipolar disorder: Caution should be used when taking paroxetine if you have bipolar disorder. Taking paroxetine alone may trigger a mixed or manic episode.

For people with seizures: Caution should be used when taking paroxetine if you have a history of seizures. If seizures occur while you take this drug, you should stop taking it and contact your doctor.

For people with kidney disease: If you have kidney disease, your kidneys may not be able to rid your body of paroxetine as well as they should. This may cause levels of the drug to build up in your body and cause more side effects.

For people with liver disease: If you have liver disease, your body may not be able to process paroxetine as well as it should. This may increase the levels of this drug in your body and cause more side effects.

Warnings for other groups

For pregnant people: Talk with your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Though rare, it’s possible for this drug to cause harm to a fetus. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the potential risk is acceptable given the drug’s potential benefit. Contact your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking this drug.

Brisdelle is a brand-name drug containing paroxetine that is used to treat menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats. Pregnancy is a contraindication of Brisdelle. (A contraindication is a factor or condition that could prevent your doctor from prescribing a drug.) Pregnancy is not a contraindication of generic paroxetine and its other brand-name versions (Paxil, Paxil CR).

For people who are breastfeeding: Paroxetine passes into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Caution should be used when taking this drug while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor if you breastfeed your child. They can discuss healthy ways to feed your child while taking paroxetine.

For older adults: The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause the body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in the body for a longer time, increasing the risk of side effects.

If you’re age 65 years or older, you may have a higher risk of developing side effects while taking this drug.

For children: It has not been confirmed that this drug is safe and effective for use in people younger than age 18 years.

Paroxetine cost and savings

Whether you have health insurance or not, cost may be a factor when you’re considering paroxetine. What you’ll pay for paroxetine may depend on several things, such as your treatment plan and the pharmacy you use.

Here are a few things to consider regarding cost:

• Comparing pharmacies: The price of paroxetine may vary depending on which pharmacy you use. As a result, it can help to compare prices across pharmacies to find the lowest cost.
• Drug coupons: You may be able to find drug coupons on prescription discount websites that can reduce the cost of your medication. These coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits, but the discounted price may be lower than what you would pay through insurance.
• Financial assistance: Some websites provide details about drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services. Two such websites are:
  • Medicine Assistance Tool
  • NeedyMeds

Take as directed

Paroxetine oral tablet can be used for long-term or short-term treatment. It comes with serious risks if you do not take it as prescribed.

If you stop taking the drug suddenly or do not take it at all: If you do not take paroxetine at all, your condition will not get any better. If you suddenly stop taking it, you may see symptoms, such as:

• anxiety
• irritability
• high or low mood
• restlessness
• changes in sleep habits
• headache
• sweating
• nausea
• dizziness
• electric shock-like sensations
• shaking
• confusion

If you miss doses or do not take the drug on schedule: Your medication may not work as well or may stop working completely. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times.

If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include:

• sleepiness
• dizziness
• nausea
• vomiting
• fast heart rate
• tremor
• confusion

Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much paroxetine. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.

What to do if you miss a dose: Take your dose as soon as you remember. But if you remember just a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose. Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could result in dangerous side effects.

How to tell if the drug is working:

• Major depressive disorder: You should have decreased feelings of depression, and your mood should improve.
• OCD: You should have decreased feelings of obsession and compulsions.
• Panic disorder: You should have decreased feelings of anxiety and panic.
• Social anxiety disorder: You should have decreased feelings of anxiety.
• GAD: You should have decreased feelings of anxiety.
• PTSD: You should have decreased feelings of anxiety, memories, or dreams of traumatic events (flashbacks) and nightmares.
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: You should have decreased tiredness, irritability, mood changes, sleeplessness, and anxiety.

Important considerations for taking paroxetine

Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes paroxetine oral tablets for you.

General

• You can take this drug with or without food.
• Take the oral tablet in the morning.
• You can cut or crush the immediate-release oral tablet.
• You should not chew, crush, or cut the extended-release tablet. It must be swallowed whole.
• Not every pharmacy stocks all forms or brands of this drug. When filling your prescription, be sure to call ahead.

Storage

• Store paroxetine oral tablets at a room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). The tablets can be stored temporarily at temperatures between 59ºF and 86°F (15ºC and 30°C).
• Keep this drug away from light.
• You should not store this medication in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms.

Refills

A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.

Travel

When traveling with your medication:

• Always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on bag.
• You do not need to worry about airport X-ray machines. They cannot hurt your medication.
• You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled box with you.
• You should not put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold.

Clinical monitoring

You and your doctor should monitor certain health issues. This can help make sure you stay safe while you take this drug. These issues include:

• Mental health and behavior changes: If you notice any changes to your mental health or behaviors, contact your doctor.
• Kidney function: Your doctor may order blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working. If your kidneys are not working well, your doctor may decide to lower your dose of this drug.
• Liver function: Your doctor may order blood tests to check how well your liver is working. If your liver is not working well, your doctor may decide to lower your dose of this drug.

Insurance

If you have health insurance, note that many insurance companies require prior authorization for certain forms or brands of this drug. This means your doctor will need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription.