Brand name: Aropax (Paxil)
-----------------------------------
Other brand name: Aropax (Paxil) rx CR (ParoAropax (Paxil) rxine, Seroxat, Paxil)
Why is Aropax (Paxil) rx prescribed?

Aropax (Paxil) rx relieves a variety of emotional problems. It can be prescribed for serious, continuing depression that interferes with your ability to function. Symptoms of this type of depression often include changes in appetite and sleep patterns, a persistent low mood, loss of interest in people and activities, decreased sex drive, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, suicidal thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and slowed thinking.

Aropax (Paxil) rx is also used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a disease marked by unwanted, but stubbornly persistent thoughts, or unreasonable rituals you feel compelled to repeat.

In addition, Aropax (Paxil) rx is prescribed for panic disorder, a crippling emotional problem characterized by sudden attacks of at least four of the following symptoms: palpitations, sweating, shaking, numbness, chills or hot flashes, shortness of breath, a feeling of choking, chest pain, nausea or abdominal distress, dizziness or faintness, feelings of unreality or detachment, fear of losing control, or fear of dying.

Aropax (Paxil) rx can be prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder, a disease marked by excessive anxiety and worry that persists for at least 6 months and can't be easily controlled. True cases of generalized anxiety disorder are accompanied by at least three of the following symptoms: restlessness or a keyed-up or on-edge feeling, a tendency to tire easily, difficulty concentrating or spells when the mind goes blank, irritability, muscle tension, or sleep disturbance.

Aropax (Paxil) rx can be used in the treatment of social anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia), a condition marked by shyness or stage fright so intense that it interferes with an individual's work and social life.

Aropax (Paxil) rx is also prescribed for post-traumatic stress disorder--a crippling condition that sometimes develops in reaction to a disastrous or horrifying experience. Symptoms, which stubbornly refuse to abate, include unwanted memories and dreams, intense distress when confronted with reminders of the event, a general numbing of interest and enjoyment, jumpiness, irritability, poor sleep, and loss of concentration.

Aropax (Paxil) rx CR, the controlled-release version, is prescribed for major depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and severe premenstrual symptoms classified as premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Aropax (Paxil) rx belongs to the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers believed to govern moods. Ordinarily, it is quickly reabsorbed after its release at the junctures between nerves. Reuptake inhibitors such as Aropax (Paxil) rx slow this process, thereby boosting the levels of serotonin available in the brain.
Most important fact about Aropax (Paxil) rx

Your symptoms may seem to improve within 1 to 4 weeks after beginning treatment with Aropax (Paxil) rx. Even if you feel better, continue to take Aropax (Paxil) rx as long as your doctor tells you to do so.
How should you take Aropax (Paxil) rx?

Aropax (Paxil) rx is taken once a day, with or without food, usually in the morning. Inform your doctor if you are taking or plan to take any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, since they may interact unfavorably with Aropax (Paxil) rx. Shake the oral suspension well before using. Aropax (Paxil) rx CR should be swallowed whole; it should not be chewed or crushed.

Special warnings about Aropax (Paxil) rx without Rx/prescriptions

In clinical studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of Aropax (Paxil) rx or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. Aropax (Paxil) rx has not been studied in children or adolescents and is not approved for treating anyone less than 18 years old.

Additionally, the progression of major depression is associated with a worsening of symptoms and/or the emergence of suicidal thinking or behavior in both adults and children, whether or not they are taking antidepressants. Individuals being treated with Aropax (Paxil) rx and their caregivers should watch for any change in symptoms or any new symptoms that appear suddenly--especially agitation, anxiety, hostility, panic, restlessness, extreme hyperactivity, and suicidal thinking or behavior--and report them to the doctor immediately. Be especially observant at the beginning of treatment or whenever there is a change in dose.

Aropax (Paxil) rx should be used cautiously by people with a history of manic disorders and those with high pressure in the eyes (glaucoma).

If you have a history of seizures, make sure your doctor knows about it. Aropax (Paxil) rx should be used with caution in this situation. If you develop seizures once therapy has begun, the drug should be discontinued.

If you have a disease or condition that affects your metabolism or blood circulation, make sure your doctor is aware of it. Aropax (Paxil) rx should be used cautiously in this situation.

Aropax (Paxil) rx may impair your judgment, thinking, or motor skills. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you are sure the medication is not affecting you in this way.

Antidepressants such as Aropax (Paxil) rx could potentially cause stomach bleeding, especially when combined with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and ketoprofen (Orudis KT). Consult your doctor before combining Aropax (Paxil) rx with NSAIDs or blood-thinning drugs.

It's best to avoid an abrupt discontinuation of Aropax (Paxil) rx therapy. It can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, abnormal dreams, and tingling sensations. To prevent such problems, your doctor will reduce your dose gradually.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Aropax (Paxil) rx

Remember that Aropax (Paxil) rx must never be combined with Mellaril or MAO inhibitors such as Nardil and Parnate, or taken within 2 weeks of starting or stopping an MAO inhibitor.

If Aropax (Paxil) rx is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Aropax (Paxil) rx with any of the following:

Alcohol
Antidepressants such as Elavil, Tofranil, Norpramin, Pamelor, Prozac
Aspirin
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Diazepam (Valium)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Flecainide (Tambocor)
Lithium (Eskalith)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and ketoprofen (Orudis KT)
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Procyclidine (Kemadrin)
Propafenone (Rythmol)
Propranolol (Inderal, Inderide)
Quinidine (Quinaglute)
Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
Theophylline (Theo-24, Uniphyl)
Tryptophan
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Aropax (Paxil) rx during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. There have been reports of serious complications in newborns who were exposed to Aropax (Paxil) rx late in the last 3 months of pregnancy. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.

Aropax (Paxil) rx appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Aropax (Paxil) rx is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with Aropax (Paxil) rx is finished.
Recommended dosage for Aropax (Paxil) rx

The following dosages are for adults. The safety and effectiveness of Aropax (Paxil) rx have not been studied in children or adolescents.

DEPRESSION
Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

* The symptoms of Aropax (Paxil) rx overdose may include:
Coma, dizziness, drowsiness, facial flushing, nausea, sweating, tremor, vomiting

If you miss a dose Aropax (Paxil) rx

Skip the forgotten dose and go back to your regular schedule with the next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you missed.

Storage instructions Aropax (Paxil) rx CR (ParoAropax (Paxil) rxine, Seroxat, Paxil)

Aropax (Paxil) rx tablets and suspension can be stored at room temperature.
Aropax (Paxil) rx side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe for you to continue taking this medication.

During the first 4 to 6 weeks, you may find some side effects less troublesome (nausea and dizziness, for example) than others (dry mouth, drowsiness, and weakness).

* Side effects may include:
Abnormal ejaculation, abnormal orgasm, constipation, decreased appetite, decreased sex drive, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, gas, impotence, male and female genital disorders, nausea, nervousness, sleeplessness, sweating, tremor, weakness, vertigo

Why should Aropax (Paxil) rx not be prescribed?

Dangerous and even fatal reactions are possible when Aropax (Paxil) rx is combined with thioridazine (Mellaril) or drugs classified as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate. Never take Aropax (Paxil) rx with any of these medications, or within 2 weeks of starting or stopping use of an MAO inhibitor. You'll also need to avoid Aropax (Paxil) rx if it gives you an allergic reaction.