Paxil is an antidepressant drug used to treat depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and works by affecting chemicals in the brain.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions and use Paxil exactly as prescribed.

• Don’t crush, break or chew tablets.
• Suddenly discontinuing Paxil may cause withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you plan to stop taking Paxil.

Don’t take Paxil if you’ve used an MAOI in the past 14 days.

Young people may have thoughts of suicide when they first start taking an antidepressant like Paxil. Monitor behavior and symptoms closely.

Talk to your doctor immediately if you become pregnant. Paxil may cause birth defects and complications during pregnancy. Do not breast-feed while taking Paxil.

Using NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen) while taking Paxil can increase your risk of bleeding.

Before taking Paxil, inform your doctor if you have any of the following:

• Liver or kidney disease
• Heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke
• Seizures
• Glaucoma
• Bipolar disorder
• Low sodium levels

Common side effects of Paxil include:

• Weakness, dizziness
• Insomnia or drowsiness
• Vision problems
• Anxiety, shaking, sweating
• Sexual side effects (erectile dysfunction, decreased sex drive)

Contact your doctor if you experience these more serious side effects:

• High serotonin levels – hallucinations, fever, agitation, nausea, vomiting, fainting
• Low sodium levels – headache, slurred speech, weakness, confusion, loss of coordination
• Skin reaction – sore throat, fever, swollen face or tongue, skin pain, burning eyes, red or purple rash, blistering and peeling
• Nervous system reaction – high fever, stiff muscles, sweating, confusion, fainting
• Bone pain or tenderness
• Weight loss or loss of appetite
• Bruising, bleeding, coughing up blood
• Blurred vision
• Extreme emotions, racing thoughts, decreased sleep, risk-taking behavior

What if I become pregnant while on Paxil?

Paxil can cause birth defects and complications. If you’re actively trying to get pregnant, talk to your doctor about switching to a different medication. If you discover you’re pregnant while taking Paxil, talk to your doctor immediately. Suddenly discontinuing Paxil can cause withdrawal symptoms that you may need help managing.

How quickly does Paxil start working?

Depression and anxiety can start to improve within a few weeks, but it may take up to 8 weeks to gain the full effects of Paxil.