paroxetine

Taking paroxetine (Paxil) can make your depression worse and cause you to have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. The risk is highest if you're 24 years of age or younger, during the first few weeks of taking the medication, and when your dose changes. If you or anyone around you notice that you have suicidal thoughts or unusual behavior (e.g., anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, feeling angry or irritated, restlessness) while taking paroxetine (Paxil), get medical help right away.

Some people taking paroxetine (Paxil) have developed a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. This condition happens where there's too much serotonin in the brain. Your risk for serotonin syndrome is higher if you use paroxetine (Paxil) with other medications that can raise your serotonin levels, such as certain antidepressants, mental health medications, pain medications, and migraine medications. Let your provider know about all the medications you take before starting paroxetine (Paxil). Also, don't start any new medications without talking to your provider first. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, and confusion. Get medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms.

Paroxetine (Paxil) isn't recommended for pregnant females because there's a risk it can cause severe harm (e.g., heart problems, body deformities) to unborn babies. Make sure to tell your provider if you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant soon before starting paroxetine (Paxil). They can talk with you about safer options.

Paroxetine (Paxil) can cause sexual problems, include low libido and problems with ejaculation. If you're experiencing these side effects, talk with your provider. They can talk with you about possible options, such as lowering your dose of paroxetine (Paxil) or switching to a different medication.

Stopping paroxetine (Paxil) suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, anxiety, agitation, flu-like symptoms, trouble sleeping, and dizziness. If you want to or need to stop taking paroxetine (Paxil), ask your healthcare provider how to do so safely over time. Never try to stop paroxetine (Paxil) on your own and without the supervision of your healthcare provider.

Paroxetine (Paxil) can raise your risk of bleeding or bruising, especially if you're also taking antiplatelets (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix)) or anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin (Coumadin), apixaban (Eliquis), rivaroxaban (Xarelto)). Get medical help if you get bruising that doesn't improve, black-colored stools, pink or red-colored urine, coughing up or vomiting blood, or unusual bleeding from the nose or gums.

Depression can be the first sign of bipolar disorder. If you're at risk for bipolar disorder, taking antidepressants, like paroxetine (Paxil), by themselves can trigger a bipolar manic episode. Before starting paroxetine (Paxil), your provider will check to see if you have or are at risk for bipolar disorder. Paroxetine (Paxil) isn't used to treat bipolar depression. Talk to your provider right away if you or your loved ones notice unusual changes in your behavior, such as racing thoughts, restlessness, getting easily distracted, or unusual talkativeness.

Paroxetine (Paxil) can lead to or worsen angle-closure glaucoma. You might need to see your optometrist regularly and get eye exams to check your eyes and make sure your vision isn't worsening. Contact your provider if you notice changes in your vision after starting paroxetine (Paxil).

Paroxetine (Paxil) can cause low blood sodium levels. Your provider might closely monitor your blood sodium levels before and during treatment with paroxetine (Paxil). Get medical help right away if you experience weakness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, headache, or memory problems because these could be signs of low blood sodium levels, which is a medical emergency.

Paroxetine (Paxil) hasn't been well-studied in people who have seizures. Before starting this medication, let your provider know if you have a history of seizures or have a medical condition that puts you at risk for getting seizures. They can discuss with you whether paroxetine (Paxil) is a good option.