Paroxetina

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.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) 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.

Depression 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. Panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder are all anxiety disorders. Obsessive-compulsive disorder 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:

• Me siento mal.

• 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.

• Sudando.

• Bostezo.

• Problemas para dormir.

• Disminución del deseo sexual (libido).

Encontrará una lista completa en el prospecto del fabricante que acompaña al medicamento.

Los efectos no deseados suelen mejorar a medida que su organismo se adapta al nuevo medicamento, pero hable con su médico o farmacéutico si alguno de los siguientes continúa o se vuelve molesto.

How to manage paroxetine side effects

Si experimenta cualquier otro síntoma que considere que puede deberse a este medicamento, consulte a su médico o farmacéutico.

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 está embarazada, esperando un bebé o en período de lactancia.

• Si tiene algún problema con el funcionamiento del hígado o de los riñones.

• Si padece una enfermedad cardiaca.

• Si padece epilepsia.

• Si tiene niveles elevados de azúcar en sangre (diabetes mellitus).

• Si tiene un problema ocular llamado glaucoma.

• Si ha padecido alguna vez un trastorno hemorrágico.

• Si alguna vez ha tenido un estado de ánimo anormalmente "elevado", llamado manía.

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

• Si alguna vez ha 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 pueda adquirirse sin receta, así como medicamentos a base de plantas 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 en cuanto se acuerde. Si no se acuerda hasta el día siguiente, sáltese la dosis olvidada. No tome dos dosis juntas para compensar la dosis olvidada.

Aproveche al máximo su 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.

• Procure acudir a las citas periódicas con su médico. Así podrá comprobar su evolución.

• 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.

  • El tratamiento puede durar varios meses. Esto es normal y ayuda a prevenir la recurrencia de los síntomas.

• 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.

  • En particular, no tome la hierba de San Juan y pida consejo antes de comprar analgésicos antiinflamatorios.

• 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 de 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 más 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.