People's Pharmacy

Paxil

Generic Name:paroxetine

Revised:4/1/2000

Table of Contents

Side Effects and Interactions

Side effects associated with Paxil include exhaustion, sweating, nausea, decreased appetite, drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, insomnia, tremor, problems with ejaculation and anxiety.

Less common adverse reactions include headache, palpitations, constipation, diarrhea, blurred vision and decreased libido.

A wide range of other reactions have been reported but appear to be uncommon. Report any symptoms to your physician promptly.

Paxil can interact with a number of other medications.

Anyone taking other antidepressants, especially drugs such as Nardil, Marplan or Parnate should stop such a medicine at least two weeks before starting on Paxil.

If Paxil is taken first, two weeks should elapse before starting on one of these other medicines.

If the amino acid tryptophan ever becomes available in the U.S. again, it should not be taken with Paxil, as it may increase the potential for adverse reactions.

Tricyclic antidepressants like Elavil, Pamelor or Tofranil could in theory have stronger actions and more pronounced toxicity when they are combined with Paxil.

This may also occur with certain medications prescribed to regulate heart rhythm.

Other compounds that could cause complications in combination with Paxil include Coumadin and possibly Lanoxin.

Tagamet may increase Paxil levels, while phenobarbital or Dilantin can lower them.

Interactions between the herb St. John's wort and Paxil are possible. Switching between antidepressants and herbal treatment calls for medical guidance (physicians can find a suggested protocol for gradual substitution of St. John's wort in Hyla Cass's book, St. John's Wort: Nature's Blues Buster).

Check with your pharmacist and physician before taking any other medicines or herbs in combination with Paxil.