Paroxin CR Tablet 12.5mg Tablets

Paroxetine is a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is thought to raise levels of serotonin in the brain.

It is used for:

• depression
• anxiety disorders, including social anxiety and panic disorder
• obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, usually once a day in the morning.

• Take it with food to help prevent feeling sick.
• It can take several weeks before you feel better, so keep taking it.
• Do not stop taking it suddenly. Your doctor will lower the dose slowly to avoid withdrawal effects such as dizziness, irritability and sleep problems.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due. Never take two doses together.

Common side effects include:

• feeling or being sick
• sexual problems or low sex drive
• sleepiness, dizziness, weakness or sleep problems
• headaches, blurred vision
• weight changes, diarrhoea or constipation

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• thoughts of harming yourself or very low mood
• fast heartbeat, sweating, shaking, twitching and confusion
• unusually high mood or energy
• eye pain, redness or sudden vision changes
• unexplained bruising or bleeding, or red or black poo
• swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have had a bad reaction to an SSRI, or have had mania
• have heart, liver or kidney problems, epilepsy, diabetes, glaucoma or a bleeding disorder
• take or recently stopped (within 2 weeks) an MAOI, such as linezolid or selegiline
• take other antidepressants, warfarin, ibuprofen or other NSAIDs, tramadol, lithium, tamoxifen or medicines for migraine, epilepsy or heart rhythm
• take St John's wort (do not combine)

Keep in the original container, tightly closed, at room temperature away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children.

Young people: under 25s may have a higher risk of suicidal thoughts, especially in the first months or after a dose change. Family should watch for changes.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: it can be used if needed, but discuss the risks with your doctor.

Alcohol and driving: avoid alcohol. Do not drive if you feel dizzy, sleepy or have blurred vision.