Paxil CR and/or Equivalents

Paxil CR

Paxil CR Drug Description

Paxil CR is the brand name of a medicine that belongs to the group of medications known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). It is extensively prescribed to treat a host of conditions associated with depression. Worldwide, depression is a serious mental disorder in patients of varying ages. Several factors can lead to depression and it affects the patient’s thought process, behaviour, social views, feelings and physical activities. Clinical depression can make you feel sad, alienated, suicidal, angry, frustrated and defeated for a prolonged period of time. Such feelings will naturally affect your lifestyle and your doctor will prescribe Paxil CR to bring the situation under control. The prime ingredient in Paxil CR is paroxetine hydrochloride in a controlled release format. The medicine is available as a tablet in three strengths; 12.5mg, 25mg and 37.5mg. All the tablets are enteric, biconvex, round and film-coated with ‘GSK’ embossed on one side and the respective strength on the other. The tablets are colour coded for easy identification; 12.5mg is yellow, 25mg is pink and 37.5mg is blue in colour. Apart from the active ingredient, the tablets also contain inactive ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, glyceryl behenate, silicon dioxide, talc, titanium dioxide, triethyl citrate, polyethylene glycols etc. They also contain one or more appropriate colouring agents. The tablets are available as bottles of thirty tablets each. Paxil CR is presented by GlaxoSmithKline.

Conditions Treated by Paxil CR

Paxil CR is used for treating of depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia), as well as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (changes in mood ahead of menstruation). Paroxetine, the prime ingredient in Paxil CR, works by influencing and balancing the chemicals present in the brain that are associated with anxiety disorders and depression. The tablet is specially formulated to release paroxetine gradually over a long period of time (controlled release) and you may experience the complete benefit after several weeks of treatment.

Paxil CR Dosage Information

a.) Typical dosage recommendations

Many factors like age, body weight, other medications, present medical condition and much more affect the suitable dosage from patient to patient. Your physician is the best person to decide the most effective and safe dosage for your condition. In general, Paxil CR dosage varies according to the condition being treated. In case of depressive disorder, starting dose is 25mg per day to be taken as a single dose, typically in the morning. Depending on your response and tolerance level, your physician may increase the dose to up to 62.5mg per day. In case of panic disorder, the initial dose is 12.5mg per day which can be increased by your physician to a maximum of 75mg per day. For patients suffering from social anxiety disorder (social phobia), the initial dose of Paxil CR is 12.5mg per day which can be increased to up to 37mg per day. If you are suffering from premenstrual dysphoric disorder, your doctor will initiate treatment with 12.5mg of Paxil CR which can be increased to 25mg per day. He/she may advise you to take the medicine throughout your cycle or only during the luteal phase. In all types of treatment, the dosage of Paxil CR should be increased in instalments of 12.5mg per day and the dosage change should be done at intervals of at least one week. Paxil CR can be taken before or after your meals.

b.) Missing a dose

In case you have missed a particular dose of Paxil CR, take it whenever you remember but never take two doses together to compensate a missed dose. Doing so may lead to overdosing and create serious medical complications. Skip the missed dose if you are about to take your next dose.

c.) Overdosing

Inform your physician immediately or contact the nearest emergency centre in case of overdose. Paxil CR overdose can become fatal and typical symptoms include severe drowsiness, blurred vision, aggression, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, tremor, seizures, decreased urination, confusion and even coma.

Paxil CR Warnings

Before starting your treatment with Paxil CR, discuss thoroughly with your physician all the implications, risks, benefits, precautions etc so that you can use the medicine safely and effectively. Your doctor too should know all about your present and past medical condition, other medicines you may be taking or if you are allergic to paroxetine or any of the other inactive ingredients. You should also inform him/her if you have a family history of bipolar disorder, depression or suicide. Paxil CR can sometimes aggravate depression and suicidal thoughts in patients, especially children. It should therefore be used with extreme caution and the patient’s condition must be regularly monitored by a physician. Check your weight regularly as Paxil CR may make you gain weight over time. You may experience painful and prolonged erection while undergoing treatment with Paxil CR, even while you are not having sex. Inform your physician immediately as this may lead to impotency if left untreated. You are prone to the fatal serotonin syndrome if you are taking other medicines like MAOIs or triptans along with Paxil CR. Contact your physician immediately if you experience agitation, hallucination, extreme drowsiness, confusion, fever, irregular heartbeat, excessive sweating or nausea. Concomitant prescription of Paxil CR with certain other medications like antipsychotics, thioridazine or pimozide is contraindicated. Treatment with an antidepressant like Paxil CR is time consuming and you should take all your medicines exactly as recommended by your physician. Never discontinue midway or alter doses without consultation. Inform your physician if you are pregnant or nursing. Always swallow Paxil CR and never chew, crush or break the tablet. Always store Paxil CR below 250C in a cool dark place away from children and pets. Keep the bottle tightly closed.

Paxil CR Side Effects

Inform your physician immediately if you experience any of the typical side effects of Paxil CR, which include:

• Nausea
• Sexual problems
• Anxiety or insomnia
• Sleepiness
• Unusual weakness
• Diarrhea
• Blurred vision
• Sweating
• Constipation
• Yawning
• Decreased appetite
• Dry mouth
• Tremor
• Aggravated signs of depression
• Allergy or skin rash
• Difficulty in speaking
• Chest pain

Paxil CR Drug Interactions

Paxil CR can react with several other formulations leading to life-threatening complications for you. Your physician should therefore know about all the medicines you are taking presently; even non-prescription drugs, vitamins, herbal preparations or dietary supplements. He/she should also know about your addiction towards nicotine, caffeine, alcohol or other street drugs.

If you have any questions about buying discount Paxil CR online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Paxil CR and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information