Frequently Asked Questions
 
How Does Paxil CR Work?
Dosage
Questions About Safety

How Does Paxil CR Work?

Learn how Paxil CR helps to treat:

Social anxiety disorder
Panic disorder
Depression
PMDD




Dosage
Paxil CR may be taken once a day - either in the morning or the evening - with or without food. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the best time of day for you. Paxil CR should not be chewed or crushed; it should be swallowed whole. The recommended starting dose of Paxil CR for depression is 25 mg/day. Your doctor may make dose increases up to 62.5 mg/day if needed. The recommended starting dose of Paxil CR for social anxiety disorder is 12.5 mg/day. Your doctor may make dose increases if needed. The recommended starting dose of Paxil CR for panic disorder is 12.5 mg/day. Your doctor may make dose increases up to 75 mg/day if needed. Talk to your doctor about dosing for PMDD. For elderly patients and patients with kidney or liver problems, the recommended starting dose of Paxil CR is 12.5 mg/day. Your doctor may make dose increases up to 50 mg/day if needed. Always consult your doctor before making changes to your medication.


Questions About Safety



What do I need to know about antidepressants and possible suicidal behavior or thinking?
Paxil CR is approved only for adults 18 years and over. There are benefits and risks when using antidepressants. Depression and other illnesses can lead to suicidal thoughts or behavior whether or not you are taking antidepressants. In some children and teens, as well as young adults (especially those with depression) antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts or actions. You and your family should watch closely and call the doctor right away, if you have worsening depression, thoughts of suicide, or sudden or severe changes in mood or behavior (for example feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, hyperactive, overly excited, or not being able to sleep), especially at the beginning of treatment or after any change in dose.



Can I take Paxil CR with other medications?
In most cases, you can take Paxil CR with other medications. However, medicines known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), thioridazine or pimozide should not be taken while you are taking Paxil CR. There may be other medicines that don't react well wih Paxil CR, so be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any prescription and over-the-counter medications that you are taking. Talk to your doctor if you are taking prescription medication known as triptans, which are used for migraine or cluster headaches. When used in combination with Paxil CR or other antidepressant treatments, these drugs may lead to potentially life-threatening complications.


Is Paxil CR associated with side effects?
As with any prescription medication, Paxil CR may be associated with some side effects, which are usually mild to moderate and may fade or disappear completely over time. A common side effect of Paxil CR is nausea, which may be lessened by taking it with food. Other side effects may include injury, infection, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, sleepiness, weakness, dry mouth, insomnia, dizziness, tremor, yawning, sweating, abnormal vision and sexual side effects. If you should experience any side effects, be sure to report them to your healthcare provider as soon as possible and follow his/her advice.


Is Paxil CR addictive?
No. Paxil CR is not a controlled substance.Paxil CR belongs to a class of medications called SSRIs, which have not been shown to be associated with addiction. However, you may have symptoms on stopping Paxil CR (see "What do I need to know about stopping
Paxil CR?").


What do I need to know about stopping Paxil CR?
Don’t stop taking Paxil CR before talking to your doctor since symptoms may result from stopping the medication, particularly when abrupt. Some patients have experienced symptoms on stopping Paxil CR, including: dizziness, sensory disturbances (including electric shock sensations and tinnitus), abnormal dreams, agitation, anxiety, nausea, sweating, mood fluctuations, headache, fatigue, nervousness and sleep disturbances.


Can I use Paxil CR if I am pregnant or nursing?
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, as there is a potential risk to the fetus with paroxetine. Some studies of paroxetine in pregnant women have suggested an increased risk of heart malformations. In addition, babies born to mothers who have taken antidepressants, including SSRIs such as Paxil CR, in the latter half of pregnancy have reported complications, including difficulties with breathing, turning blue, seizures, changing body temperature, feeding problems, vomiting, low blood sugar, floppiness, stiffness, tremor, shakiness, irritability or constant crying. Tube feeding, help with breathing, and longer hospitalization may be needed. There have also been reports of premature births in pregnant women exposed to SSRIs, including Paxil CR.

Like many antidepressants, Paxil CR can be present in breast milk so tell your doctor if you are nursing.



How long should I take Paxil CR?
For some people, depression is a chronic condition—which means that it can last for a long time and may come back several times during their lifetime. These patients may require long-term treatment with Paxil CR to keep their condition under control.

The best way to find out how long you should stay on therapy is to ask your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will tell you how long to take the medication and when you may be able to cut back and eventually stop.

No one likes to stay on medication any longer than they have to, but if you stop taking your medicine too soon, it could interfere with your recovery and progress. So, even if you’re feeling better, it’s important to keep taking your medication for as long as your healthcare provider advises.