Generic Name: PAROXETINE CONTROLLED-RELEASE - ORAL
Pronounced: (pair-OX-eh-teen)

Paxil CR Oral Precautions

Before taking paroxetine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• personal or family history of bipolar/manic-depressive disorder
• personal or family history of suicide attempts
• liver problems
• kidney problems
• low sodium in the blood
• severe loss of body water (dehydration)
• seizures
• stomach/intestinal ulcers
• glaucoma (narrow-angle type)

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

Caution is advised when using this product in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects. The elderly are more likely to lose too much salt (hyponatremia), especially if they are also taking "water pills" (diuretics) with this medication.

This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Also, babies born to mothers who have used this drug during the last 3 months of pregnancy may infrequently develop withdrawal symptoms such as feeding/breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness, or constant crying. If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn, tell the doctor promptly.

Since untreated depression can be a serious condition, do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy with your doctor.

This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Paxil CR Oral Side Effects

See also Warning section.

Nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, weakness, tiredness, dry mouth, sweating, yawning, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

• unusual or severe mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, thoughts of suicide)
• shakiness (tremor)
• restlessness
• inability to keep still
• decreased interest in sex
• changes in sexual ability
• blurred vision
• numbness/tingling

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

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