Paxtine (Paroxetine (As Hydrochloride Hemihydrate))
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Paxtine Used For?
Paxtine is a medication that helps manage mood disorders by affecting brain chemicals involved in mood regulation.
Primary Uses
Paxtine is primarily used to treat depression, panic attacks, social anxiety disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
How It Works
Paxtine works by influencing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in mood regulation.
Good to know: Paxtine is not considered addictive.
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How to Take Paxtine
Paxtine should be taken as prescribed by your doctor, ideally in the morning with food.
Dosage Instructions
For depression and social anxiety disorder, the typical dose is one 20 mg tablet daily. For panic attacks or obsessive-compulsive disorder, the usual dose is two 20 mg tablets daily. Tablets can be split but should not be chewed or crushed.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's close to your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
Important: Never double the dose to make up for a missed one.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- nausea
- dry mouth
- constipation
- decreased appetite
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- difficulty sleeping
- impaired sexual function
- weakness
- sweating
- shakiness
- bruising
- abnormal dreams
- weight gain
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- allergic reactions including swelling of limbs, face, lips, mouth or throat
- skin rashes that may blister
- muscle spasms
- sudden increase in body temperature
- severe convulsions
- fast heartbeat
- fainting
Impulse Control Issues
Patients taking Paxtine may experience impulse control issues, including compulsive behaviors.
Important Warnings
There are several important considerations to keep in mind while taking Paxtine.
Who Should Not Take Paxtine
Do not take Paxtine if you are allergic to paroxetine or any of its ingredients, are pregnant, or have recently taken MAOIs.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Inform your doctor if you have liver problems, heart issues, kidney problems, epilepsy, glaucoma, diabetes, or a history of bleeding disorders.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as there may be risks associated with taking Paxtine during these times.
Elderly Patients With Dementia: Elderly patients should use Paxtine with caution due to the risk of low sodium levels, which can cause sleepiness and muscle weakness.
Drug Interactions
Paxtine may interact with various medications, affecting its efficacy or increasing side effects.
Grapefruit interaction: Grapefruit may affect how Paxtine works.
- other antidepressants
- tramadol
- fentanyl
- metoprolol
- flecainide
- phenytoin
- carbamazepine
- warfarin
- aspirin
- NSAIDs
- selegiline
- procyclidine
- cimetidine
- sumatriptan
- tamoxifen
- fosamprenavir and ritonavir
- mivacurium
- suxamethonium
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol and driving while taking Paxtine.
Alcohol
It is advisable to avoid alcohol while taking Paxtine, even though moderate consumption may not significantly affect its efficacy.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Paxtine may cause drowsiness or dizziness; do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.
Temperature Regulation
Monitor for symptoms of serotonin syndrome, which can include high body temperature and confusion.
Storage
Store Paxtine below 25°C in a cool, dry place, and keep it in the blister pack until it's time to take it.
Overdose Information
If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include sedation, blood pressure changes, and muscle contractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Patients generally start feeling better within a few weeks of starting Paxtine.
Yes, it is recommended to take Paxtine with food.
No, Paxtine is not considered addictive.
Stopping Paxtine suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, anxiety, and nausea.
It is best to avoid alcohol while taking Paxtine.
Weight gain is a possible side effect of Paxtine.
Elderly patients should use Paxtine with caution due to the risk of low sodium levels.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it's almost time for your next dose.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.