Paroxetine is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain. This improves mood and physical symptoms of depression and also relieves symptoms of panic and obsessive disorders.
Major & minor side effects for Paroxetine
- Suicidal thinking and behaviour
- Serotonin syndrome (agitation, hallucinations, seizures, nausea)
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shaking of the hands or feet
- Dizziness when getting up suddenly from a sitting position
- Chills or cold sweats
- Blurred vision
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Dry mouth and lips
- Constipation
- Muscle stiffness
- Decreased sexual urge
- Difficulty in passing urine
- Rapid weight gain/loss
- Photosensitivity
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Racing thoughts
- Reckless behavior
- Unusual tiredness and weakness
Use of this medicine by breastfeeding women is not recommended unless necessary.
Use of this medicine may cause suicidal thought and change the behavior of the user. This risk is increasingly high in young patients.
Use of this medicine with other medicines to treat depression may cause nausea, agitation, seizures and hallucinations (symptoms of serotonin syndrome).
Use of this medicine may cause Neuroleptic malignant syndrome characterized by high fever, muscle stiffness, extreme changes in blood pressure, excessive sweating and salivation.
Use of this medicine is associated with a sharp increase in blood pressure levels.
Use of this medicine may cause unusual bleeding and bruising and hence should be used with caution in patients suffering from bleeding disorders.
This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from angle closure glaucoma.
Use of this medicine may cause seizures and hence should be used with caution in patients suffering from epilepsy.
Use of this medicine may cause agitation and aggressive behavior in some patients.
This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from a heart or blood vessel disorder.
This medicine may decrease the sodium levels in the body and hence should be used with caution in patients taking diuretic medicines.
Use of this medicine has been associated with an increase in the incidence of bone fractures.
Use of this medicine has been associated with drowsiness and impairment of cognition.
Use of this medicine may cause sexual dysfunction.
Use of this medicine should not be discontinued abruptly.
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients aged below 18 years.
This medicine should be used with caution in elderly patients as the risk of adverse effects is significantly high.