Paroxetine

(Brand Name: Paxil, Seroxat)

The following information is a guide only and you must discuss your medication needs with a trained health professional.

Marketing of Paroxetine began in 1992 by the pharmaceutical company SmithKline Beecham, known since 2000 as GlaxoSmithKline. Subsequent generic formulations have been available since 2003 when the patent expired. Paroxetine is available on prescription in either tablet or liquid drop form which you take with water.

It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for Paroxetine to work
Check with your doctor before starting to take Paroxetine if you are trying to become pregnant, or plan to discontinue it if you’re already pregnant or you are breastfeeding
Take Paroxetine once a day. You can take it with or without food
If you have epilepsy – Paroxetine can increase your seizures so tell your doctor
If you have an eye problem called glaucoma tell your doctor because Paroxetine can increase eye pressure
If you have diabetes, Paroxetine can make it more difficult to keep your blood sugar stable. Monitor your blood sugar more often for the first few weeks of taking and consult your doctor
In the United States, the FDA require all antidepressants including Paroxetine to carry a warning that antidepressants may increase the risk of suicide in people younger than 25

Medication Information

Skeletal formula of Paroxetine.

The following information is a guide only, a doctor may want to try dosages outside these recommended guides.

Form: Tablets come in different strengths ranging from 10mg to 30mg. With Paroxetine in liquid form, 10ml is the equivalent to a 20mg tablet.

When: Take Paroxetine once a day, in the morning. It’s best to take it with food so it doesn’t upset your tummy.

Child dose: Not recommended for children.

Adult dose: The initial dose for adults is 20mg daily increased in gradual steps of 10 mg to 40 mg daily. Although there is no evidence of greater efficacy at higher doses it can be taken to a maximum dose of 60 mg per day.

Older people: The initial dose for older people is 20mg daily increased in gradual steps of 10 mg to 40 mg daily.

Half-Life: 21 hours. If you occasionally forget to take a dose, because of the long half-life don’t worry and if you remember before you go to bed, take it straight away. Carry on as usual the next day. If you only remember during the night, or the next day, leave out the missed dose and carry on as usual the next day.

Drug interactions: Don’t take St John’s wort, the herbal remedy, while you are taking Sertraline as this will increase your risk of side effects.

Pregnancy and Breast Feeding: It’s important for you and your baby that you stay well during your pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Paroxetine speak to your doctor, it’s important not to stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Ask your doctor to discuss the potential benefits against potential risks of staying on medication whilst pregnant or breastfeeding so that you can make an informed choice about what is right for you and your baby.