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How should you take this medication?
Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor to benefit your condition as much as possible. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doct
or ordered.
Paxil may be taken with or without food or on a full or empty stomach. However, if your doctor tells you to take the medicine a certain way, take it exactly as directed.
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Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
Renal Impairment: - Since paroxetine is extensively metabolized by the liver, excretion of unchanged drug in urine is a minor route of elimination. However, single dose pharmacokinetic studies in subj
ects with clinically significant renal impairment suggest that plasma levels of paroxetine are elevated in such subjects. Paroxetine should therefore be used with caution and the dosage restricted to
the lower end of the range in patients with clinically significant renal impairment.
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What special precautions should I follow?
Older adults¡XIn studies that have included elderly people, Paxil did not cause different side effects or problems in older people than it did in younger adults. However, Paxil may be removed from the
body more slowly in elderly people. An older adult may need a lower dose than a younger adult.
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Why is this medication prescribed?
Paxil is also prescribed for posttraumatic stress disorder--a crippling condition that sometimes develops in reaction to a disastrous or horrifying experience. Symptoms, which stubbornly refuse to aba
te, include unwanted memories and dreams, intense distress when confronted with reminders of the event, a general numbing of interest and enjoyment, jumpiness, irritability, poor sleep, and loss of co
ncentration.
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Precautions while Using this Medicine
Do not suddenly stop taking your Paxil. If you have been instructed to stop taking Paxil, ask you healthcare professional how to slowly decrease the dose. This is to decrease the chance of having disc
ontinuation symptoms such as agitation, breathing problems, chest pain, confusion, diarrhea, dizziness or light-headedness, fast heartbeat, headache, increased sweating, muscle pain, nausea, restlessn
ess, runny nose, trouble in sleeping, trembling or shaking, unusual tiredness or weakness, vision changes, or vomiting.
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Side Effects
Side effects from Paxil are common, and include:
- upset stomach
- drowsiness
- weakness or tiredness
- excitement or anxiety
- insomnia
- nightmares
- dry mout
h
- changes in appetite or weight
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- constipation
- difficulty urinating
- frequent urination
- blurred vision
- changes in sex drive or ability
- excessive sweating
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