Paroxetine

About paroxetine

What is paroxetine used for?

Paroxetine is a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Inhibidores selectivos de la recaptación de serotonina (ISRS) like paroxetine increase the amount of circulating serotonin available in your brain. Altering the balance of the chemicals in the brain can help improve symptoms of depression, anxiety disorders, and OCD.

Depresión can develop for no apparent reason, or it can be triggered by a life event such as a relationship problem, a bereavement, or an illness. An anxiety disorder is a condition where anxiety is a major symptom. Trastorno de pánico, trastorno de ansiedad social, y trastorno de estrés postraumático are all anxiety disorders. Trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo is a condition where you have recurring and persistent ideas that make you do repetitive actions.

Side effects of paroxetine

The most common side effects of paroxetine are:

• Náuseas.

• Estar enfermo (vómitos).

• Diarrea.

• Estreñimiento.

• Visión borrosa.

• Feeling dizzy, sleepy or weak.

• Boca seca.

• Dolor de cabeza.

• Feeling anxious, nervous or agitated.

• Feeling restless and shaky.

• Sudoración.

• Yawning.

• Problemas para dormir.

• Disminución del deseo sexual (libido).

Encontrará una lista completa en el prospecto informativo del fabricante que se suministra con su medicamento.

Los efectos no deseados a menudo mejoran a medida que su cuerpo se adapta al nuevo medicamento, pero hable con su médico o farmacéutico si alguno de los siguientes persiste o se vuelve problemático.

How to manage paroxetine side effects

Si experimenta otros síntomas que cree que pueden deberse a este medicamento, hable con su médico o farmacéutico para obtener más consejos.

Who should not take paroxetine?

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking paroxetine it is important that your doctor knows:

• Si estás embarazada, intentando tener un bebé o amamantando.

• Si tienes algún problema con el funcionamiento de tu hígado, o con el funcionamiento de tus riñones.

• Si tienes una afección cardíaca.

• Si tienes epilepsia.

• Si tienes niveles altos de azúcar en la sangre (diabetes mellitus).

• If you have an eye problem called glaucoma.

• Si alguna vez has tenido un trastorno hemorrágico.

• Si alguna vez has tenido estados de ánimo anormalmente 'altos', llamados manía.

• Si estás siendo tratado con terapia electroconvulsiva (TEC).

• Si alguna vez has tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.

• Si ha tomado un antidepresivo conocido como inhibidor de la monoaminooxidasa (IMAO) en las dos semanas anteriores.

• Si está tomando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que esté disponible para comprar sin receta, así como medicamentos herbales y complementarios.

How to take paroxetine

• Read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about paroxetine and will provide you with a full list of the side effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take paroxetine exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is prescribed as a once-daily dose, to be taken in the morning.

  • There are several strengths of paroxetine tablets - 10 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg. Your doctor will tell you which strength is right for you.

• If you are being treated for a panic disorder, your doctor may prescribe a low dose for you to begin with, and then increase it. This is because some people feel anxious during the first two weeks, and slowly increasing the dose helps to reduce this.

• Take paroxetine with a snack or just after eating breakfast, as this will help to reduce the likelihood of you feeling sick as a side effect. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water.

• If you are taking liquid medicine, it is recommended that you do not take indigestion remedies during the two hours before or during the two hours after you take paroxetine liquid. This is because antacids can reduce the amount of paroxetine your body absorbs.

• Si olvida tomar una dosis, tómela tan pronto como lo recuerde. Si no lo recuerda hasta el día siguiente, omita la dosis olvidada. No tome dos dosis juntas para compensar una dosis olvidada.

Obteniendo el máximo de tu tratamiento

• You may feel that paroxetine is not working for you straightaway. It can take a week or two after starting the treatment before the effect begins to build up, and 4-6 weeks before you feel the full benefit. Do not stop taking it even if you feel like it is not helping.

• Intenta mantener tus citas regulares con tu médico. Esto es para que tu médico pueda verificar tu progreso.

• While you are taking paroxetine, you may have thoughts about harming yourself or ending your life. These thoughts may also be associated with your condition. It is very important that you tell your doctor about this if it happens.

• Do not stop taking paroxetine unless your doctor tells you to do so. Stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems and your doctor will probably want you to reduce your dose gradually when this becomes necessary.

  • Debe esperar que un curso de tratamiento dure varios meses. Esto es normal y ayuda a prevenir que sus síntomas reaparezcan.

• If you drink alcohol, ask your doctor for advice. Your doctor is likely to recommend that you do not drink alcohol while you are on paroxetine.

• If you have diabetes, you may need to check your blood glucose more frequently, as paroxetine may affect the levels of sugar in your blood. Your doctor will advise you about this.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with paroxetine. This is because several medicines which are available from general retail outlets can interfere with the treatment.

  • In particular, do not take the herbal remedy St John's wort, and ask for advice before buying any anti-inflammatory painkillers.

• A few people taking paroxetine find that their skin is more sensitive to sunlight than normal. Until you know how your skin reacts, use a sun cream with a high sun protection factor (SPF) in strong sunlight.

• There are several types of antidepressants and they differ in their possible side effects. If you find that paroxetine does not suit you then let your doctor know, as another may be found that will.

How to store paroxetine

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

• Once a bottle of Seroxat® Oral Suspension has been opened it will keep for one month - after this time, make sure you have a fresh supply.

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos

Preguntas frecuentes

Is paroxetine a strong antidepressant?

Paroxetine is an antidepressant that is effective in improving the symptoms of depression and anxiety. How 'strong' it feels depends on the person.

Can paroxetine cause night sweats?

Paroxetine can sometimes cause side effects such as night sweats when you first start treatment or if your dose changes. Speak to your doctor if night sweats become bothersome or affect your sleep.

Does paroxetine cause weight gain?

Paroxetine may cause weight gain in some people. If you notice changes in weight, speak with your doctor for advice on managing or adjusting treatment.