Brand Name
Paxil
Common Name
paroxetine
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02027887 | PAXIL 10MG TABLET |
| 01940481 | PAXIL 20MG TABLET |
| 01940473 | PAXIL 30MG TABLET |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Paroxetine belongs to the class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social phobia (social anxiety disorder), generalized anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. It works by affecting the balance of chemicals in the brain that are associated with depression and anxiety disorders.
It may take several weeks before the full beneficial effects of this medication are achieved. Continue taking the medication until you have consulted with your doctor, even if you feel your symptoms are not improving.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended adult dose of paroxetine ranges from 20 mg to 60 mg once daily in the morning, with or without food. The dose depends on the individual and on the condition being treated. Swallow the tablet whole - do not chew it.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
10 mg
Each yellow, bisected, film-coated, oval, biconvex tablet, with the product name engraved on one side and the strength engraved on the other side, contains paroxetine HCl equivalent to paroxetine free base 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycols, polysorbate 80, sodium starch glycolate, and titanium dioxide.
20 mg
Each pink, bisected, film-coated, oval, biconvex tablet, with the product name engraved on one side and the strength engraved on the other side, contains paroxetine HCl equivalent to paroxetine free base 20 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycols, polysorbate 80, sodium starch glycolate, and titanium dioxide.
30 mg
Each blue, film-coated, oval, biconvex tablet, with the product name engraved on one side and the strength engraved on the other side, contains paroxetine HCl equivalent to paroxetine free base 30 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycols, polysorbate 80, sodium starch glycolate, and titanium dioxide.
The 10, 20 and 30 mg tablets also contain one or more of the following: D&C Red No. 30 Aluminum Lake, D&C Yellow No. 10 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake, and FD&C Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Paroxetine should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to paroxetine or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- is taking a MAO inhibitor (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine, moclobemide) or has taken a MAO inhibitor within the past 2 weeks (do not start treatment with an MAO inhibitor until at least 2 weeks after stopping paroxetine treatment)
- takes pimozide
- takes thioridazine
