What does paxil do

These include:. Do not stop taking paroxetine suddenly, or without talking to your doctor first. A few people may get sexual side effects, such as problems getting an erection or a lower sex drive. In some cases these can continue even after stopping the medicine.

Speak to your doctor if you are worried. Taking paroxetine for more than a year has also been linked to a small increased risk of getting diabetes. But you will be regularly checked for this. Paroxetine isn't any better or worse as a treatment than other SSRIs. Some side effects are more common with paroxetine than other SSRIs, like sweating or feeling sleepy.

But overall, paroxetine doesn't seem any better or worse than other SSRIs when it comes to side effects. Sometimes people respond better to one SSRI than to another. Talk to your doctor if you aren't feeling any better after 6 weeks. There's some evidence that paroxetine can reduce the quality of sperm.

This should reverse once you stop taking the medicine. It isn't known, however, whether this reduces male fertility. Talk to your doctor if you're concerned. There's no firm evidence to suggest that taking paroxetine will reduce fertility in women. However, speak to a pharmacist or your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant, as they may like to review your treatment. Paroxetine can make you feel less hungry, so you may lose weight when you first start taking it.

If you start to have problems with your weight while taking paroxetine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Some people can't concentrate properly while they're taking paroxetine. It might be best to stop driving and cycling for the first few days of treatment until you know how this medicine makes you feel.

Paroxetine will not affect any type of contraception including the combined pill or emergency contraception. The good effects of paroxetine may, after a while, improve your sex life as your mood lifts and you become interested in life and relationships again.

Some of the possible negative effects include:. Sexual side effects usually pass after the first couple of weeks. However, very rarely, they can be long lasting and may not get better even after stopping the medicine.

If these happen and are a problem for you, go back to your doctor to see if there's another treatment you can try. You can drink alcohol while taking paroxetine but it may make you feel sleepy. It might be best to stop drinking alcohol until you see how the medicine makes you feel. Antidepressants, including paroxetine, are just one of several approaches to treating depression or anxiety. Other potential treatments for depression include:.

Cannabis with paroxetine can give you a fast heartbeat. Cannabis can also make drowsiness worse with paroxetine, especially in people who have just started taking it. Methadone can increase the risk of side effects in people taking paroxetine. It can be potentially dangerous to take paroxetine with:. Paroxetine has not been properly tested with recreational drugs.

Talk to your doctor if you think you might use any recreational drugs while taking paroxetine. Page last reviewed: 13 December Next review due: 13 December Paroxetine On this page About paroxetine Key facts Who can and can't take paroxetine How and when to take it Side effects How to cope with side effects Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions.

About paroxetine Paroxetine is a type of antidepressant known as an SSRI selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Help us improve our website Can you answer a quick question about your visit today?

It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for paroxetine to work. Side effects such as feeling sick or sexual problems are common. They are usually mild and go away after a couple of weeks. If you and your doctor decide to take you off paroxetine, your doctor will probably recommend reducing your dose gradually to help prevent extra side effects. Paroxetine is also called by the brand name Seroxat. Paroxetine can be taken by adults aged 18 and over. Check with your doctor before starting to take paroxetine if you: have had an allergic reaction to paroxetine or any other medicines in the past have a heart problem - as paroxetine can speed up or change your heartbeat have ever taken any other medicines for depression - some rarely used antidepressants can interact with paroxetine to cause very high blood pressure , even when they have been stopped for a few weeks are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant or you are breastfeeding have an eye condition called glaucoma because paroxetine can increase the pressure in your eye have epilepsy or are having electroconvulsive treatment - as paroxetine may increase your seizures If you have diabetes , paroxetine can make it more difficult to keep your blood sugar stable.

Paroxetine tablets come in different strengths ranging from 10mg to 30mg. How much will I take? With paroxetine liquid, 10ml is equivalent to a 20mg tablet. What if I forget to take it? What if I take too much? Urgent advice: Call your doctor straight away if:. Common side effects Common side effects happen in more than 1 in people. Kratom is a plant that many people use for depression. It is unregulated and may carry some risks.

Learn more about the potential use of kratom for…. Antidepressants are a commonly used drug in the United States, but some people find they gain or lose weight when using specific types. The link is…. Depression is a common and serious mental health condition that can often take its toll on relationships.

However, supporting a partner with…. Antidepressants can help manage the symptoms of depression, but they can be difficult to stop. Find out what to expect and get some tips on managing…. What to know about Paxil paroxetine. Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, Pharm. Uses How to take Side effects Warnings Interactions Withdrawal Summary Paxil is an antidepressant in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor class.

What can people use Paxil for? Share on Pinterest Uses for Paxil include treating sleep disturbance, depression, and difficulty with concentration. How to take Paxil. Share on Pinterest A person can use either immediate release or controlled release tablets to help treat a panic disorder. Mild to severe side effects. Drug interactions. Share on Pinterest A doctor can run through any withdrawal symptoms that might occur when taking Paxil.

Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. What to know about overdosing on antidepressants. Medically reviewed by Zara Risoldi Cochrane, Pharm.

What to know about kratom for depression. Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, PharmD. How can antidepressants affect weight gain? How to support a partner with depression.

Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, Ph. How to stop antidepressants safely. Panic Disorder occurs when a person experiences unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear. These episodes have physical symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sweating, dizziness, and nausea.

Fear of future episodes is also part of panic disorder. PTSD occurs when a person experiences a traumatic event e. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder PMDD is a condition where a woman experiences depression, tension, and irritability for a few days prior to menstruation that end when menstruation begins. These symptoms are more severe than those of premenstrual syndrome PMS.

Symptoms include:. They should be clear about the limits of the research around that medication and if there are any other options. Do not stop taking paroxetine, even when you feel better. With input from you, your health care provider will assess how long you will need to take the medicine. Depression is also a part of bipolar illness. People with bipolar disorder who take antidepressants may be at risk for "switching" from depression into mania.

Symptoms of mania include "high" or irritable mood, very high self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, pressure to keep talking, racing thoughts, being easily distracted, frequently involved in activities with a large risk for bad consequences for example, excessive buying sprees.

Medical attention should be sought if serotonin syndrome is suspected. If you are planning on becoming pregnant, notify your health care provider to best manage your medications. People living with MDD who wish to become pregnant face important decisions.

Untreated MDD has risks to the fetus, as well as the mother. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor and caregivers. Exposure of paroxetine to the fetus during the first trimester of pregnancy can increase the risk of cardiovascular malformations.

For women who take antidepressant medications during weeks 13 through the end of their pregnancy second and third trimesters , there is a risk that the baby can be born before it is fully developed before 37 weeks. This is a potentially fatal condition that is associated with use of the antidepressant in the second half of pregnancy. However, women who discontinued antidepressant therapy were five times more likely to have a depression relapse than those who continued their antidepressant.

If you are pregnant, please discuss the risks and benefits of antidepressant use with your health care provider. Typically patients begin at a low dose of medicine and the dose is increased slowly over several weeks.

The dose usually ranges from 10 mg to 40 mg 75 mg for controlled release. Only your health care provider can determine the correct dose for you. If you are taking paroxetine for PMDD, it can be taken once daily everyday or intermittently usually starting 14 days prior to menstruation through the first full day of menses of each cycle.

Discuss this with your prescriber. The liquid should be measured with a dosing spoon or oral syringe which you can get from your pharmacy. They should not be chewed, crushed, or broken. Consider using a calendar, pillbox, alarm clock, or cell phone alert to help you remember to take your medication.

You may also ask a family member or friend to remind you or check in with you to be sure you are taking your medication. If you miss a dose of paroxetine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is closer to the time of your next dose.

Discuss this with your health care provider. Do not double your next dose or take more than what is prescribed. Avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs while you are taking antidepressant medications. They may decrease the benefits e. If an overdose occurs, call your doctor or You may need urgent medical care.