Paroxetine

What paroxetine is for

Paroxetine can be used to treat mental health conditions such as:

• depression
• anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder and panic disorder
• obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

It's also sometimes used to treat menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes, if you have breast cancer.

Paroxetine is a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

It's thought to work by increasing the level of serotonin (a chemical in the brain that affects mood). When serotonin levels are normal this may reduce stress levels and negative thoughts.

How to take paroxetine

Paroxetine usually comes as tablets that you swallow. How much you need to take depends on why you're taking it.

You usually take paroxetine once a day, in the morning. Take it with food to reduce the chance of side effects like feeling sick (nausea).

Your doctor may prescribe a low dose to start with and increase it after a few weeks.

It can take several weeks until your symptoms start to improve.

You may need to take paroxetine for several months or more.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

If you miss a dose of paroxetine

If you forget to take paroxetine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much paroxetine

Taking too much paroxetine can be dangerous.

Call NHS 111 if:

If you're told to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the paroxetine packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.

How to stop taking paroxetine

Your doctor may suggest you stop taking paroxetine if you've been feeling better for some time.

But do not suddenly stop taking it because it may cause withdrawal symptoms. If you want to stop taking paroxetine, speak to your doctor first.

Your doctor will gradually reduce your dose over several weeks or months. Always follow your doctor's advice.

Side effects of paroxetine

Like all medicines, paroxetine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Most side effects should ease after a couple of weeks as your body gets used to the medicine, but some can last longer.

Common side effects

Common side effects of paroxetine include:

• feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting)
• sexual problems, such as low sex drive (loss of libido)
• feeling unusually sleepy, dizzy, weak or agitated
• problems sleeping
• headaches
• weight changes
• diarrhoea or constipation
• blurred vision

If you feel dizzy, sleepy or have blurred vision after taking paroxetine do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until you no longer have these symptoms.

Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if:

Serious side effects

Possible serious side effects of paroxetine include:

• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) - causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash and difficulty breathing
• serotonin syndrome - a rare but serious condition that causes a fast heartbeat, sweating, shaking, twitching muscles and feeling confused or agitated
• feeling unusually high or like you have lots of energy (mania) - this can affect how you behave, for example you may take more risks or do things you would not usually do
• very low mood and having suicidal thoughts
• unexplained bruising or bleeding, or blood in your poo (poo may look red or black)

Call 999 if:

More about side effects

These are not all the side effects of paroxetine.

For a full list, see the leaflet that came with your medicine, or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.

You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card Scheme website

Who can and cannot take paroxetine

Most adults can take paroxetine.

But paroxetine is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if you have:

• had a serious side effect or allergic reaction to paroxetine or another selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) before
• had unusually high moods caused by a mental health condition (mania) before
• heart, liver or kidney problems
• epilepsy or a history of seizures
• a bleeding disorder (particularly bleeding in the digestive system)
• diabetes
• glaucoma

Before taking paroxetine, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and paroxetine

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding.

Paroxetine can often be used while breastfeeding, but it's best to check because the medicine can pass into your breast milk in small amounts.

You'll usually be advised to continue taking it if the benefits to you outweigh any possible risks to your baby.

It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects of medicines you're using, but speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and paroxetine

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or you get pregnant while taking paroxetine.

Paroxetine can be used during pregnancy if needed. Your doctor will talk to you about the risks and benefits of taking it while you're pregnant.

If you need to take paroxetine while you're pregnant, your doctor will prescribe the lowest possible effective dose.

You'll also usually be advised to give birth in hospital so you and your baby can be closely monitored after you've given birth.

Find out more about taking paroxetine during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Taking paroxetine with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with paroxetine.

These include:

• some other antidepressants
• anticoagulants, such as warfarin
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen
• strong painkillers such as tramadol and buprenorphine
• anti-psychotics such as lithium and risperidone
• pravastatin, a medicine to treat high cholesterol
• tamoxifen, a medicine for breast cancer
• some medicines for migraines, heart rhythm problems, epilepsy and Parkinson's disease

Do not use the herbal supplement St John's wort when taking paroxetine.

Before taking paroxetine, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Taking paroxetine with other medicines, food and drink

Taking paroxetine with food will reduce the chance of feeling sick (nausea).

It's best not to drink alcohol when you're taking paroxetine, as it can increase the chance of side effects.

Find out more about your medicine

To find out more about your medicine, you can:

• check the leaflet that comes with it
• search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
• speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice - if you recently started taking it, you can get help with newly prescribed medicines from a pharmacist as part of the New Medicine Service

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