Paroxetine tablets, unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks), panic disorder (sudden, suspension (liquid) and extended-release (long-acting) tablets are used to treat depression, and social anxiety disorder (extreme fear of interacting with others or performing in front of others that interferes with normal life). Paroxetine tablets and oral solution are also used to treat obsessive compulsive disorder (bothersome thoughts that won't go away and the need to perform certain actions over and over), generalized anxiety disorder (excessive worrying that is difficult to control), and posttraumatic stress disorder (disturbing psychological symptoms that develop after a frightening experience). Paroxetine extended-release tablets are also used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD, physical and psychological symptoms that occur before the onset of the menstrual period each month

Paroxetine is also sometimes used to treat chronic headaches, tingling in the hands and feet caused by diabetes, and certain male sexual problems . Paroxetine is also used with other medications to treat bipolar disorder. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

Special precautions

Before taking paroxetine,

• You should know that your mental health may change in unexpected ways, especially at the beginning of your treatment and any time that your dose is increased or decreased.
• Ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking paroxetine.
• You should know that paroxetine may make you drowsy and affect your judgment and thinking. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking paroxetine, call your doctor.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had, or anyone in your family has or has ever had, depression, bipolar disorder (mood that changes from depressed to abnormally excited), or mania (frenzied, abnormally excited mood), or if you have, or anyone in your family has, thought about or attempted suicide. Also tell your doctor if you use or have ever used street drugs or have overused prescription medications, if you have recently had a heart attack, and if you have or have ever had glaucoma (an eye disease); seizures; bleeding from your stomach or esophagus (tube that connects the mouth and stomach) or liver, kidney, or heart disease.
• Tell your doctor what herbal products and nutritional supplements you are taking, especially St. John's wort and tryptophan.
• Do not take paroxetine if you are taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors..
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to paroxetine or any other medicines.

Side effects

Paroxetine may cause side effects:

• heartache
• dizziness

• painful or irregular menstruation
• unusual dreams
• problems with teeth
• flushing
• muscle weakness or tightness
• pain in the back, joints, muscles, or anywhere in the body
• lump or tightness in throat
• cough
• runny nose
• sensitivity to light
• yawning
• sweating
• dry mouth
• changes in sex drive or ability
• weight loss or gain
• decreased appetite
• changes in ability to taste food
• heartburn
• stomach pain
• gas
• constipation
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• upset stomach
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• sleepiness or feeling "drugged"
• confusion
• forgetfulness
• nervousness
• difficulty concentrating
• weakness

Some side effects can be serious:

• vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
• bloody vomit
• red blood in stools
• black and tarry stools
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• hoarseness
• swelling of the face, ankles, feet, hands, eyes, lips, tongue, throat, or lower legs
• itching
• skin rash
• hives
• sudden upset stomach, vomiting, weakness, cramping, bloating, swelling, tightness in hands and feet, dizziness, headache and/or confusion
• painful erection that lasts for hours
• swelling, burning, itching, or infection in the vagina
• difficult, frequent, or painful urination
• numbness or tingling in your hands, arms, feet, or legs
• sudden muscle twitching or jerking that you cannot control
• shaking hands that you cannot control
• sore throat, chills, fever, and other signs of infection
• abnormal bleeding or bruising
• seizure
• chest pain
• rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• blurred vision

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• difficulty walking
• fever
• sweating
• frenzied, abnormally excited mood
• diarrhea
• difficulty urinating
• dark red or brown urine
• sudden muscle twitching or jerking that you cannot control
• muscle pain, stiffness or weakness
• aggressive behavior
• yellowing of the skin and eyes
• flu like symptoms
• pain in the upper right part of the stomach
• loss of appetite
• lack of energy
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• extreme tiredness
• blurred vision
• fainting
• seizures
• dizziness
• vomiting
• confusion
• fast, irregular, pounding, or slow heartbeat
• shaking hands that you cannot control
• upset stomach
• coma
• drowsiness