Seroxat Tablets - (Paroxetine)

How does it work?

• Paroser contains an antidepressant drug called an SSRI. 
• It increases the amount of a chemical (serotonin) in the brain which is known to be lowered in depression.

When and how do I take it?

• Swallow the capsules with a drink of water. Do not chew the capsules. 
• Taking Paroser in the morning with food will reduce the likelihood of you feeling sick (nausesa).

What’s the dose?

Usual starting dose is 20mg once daily. This may be increased to a max of 60mg daily depending on response.

Could it interact with other tablets?

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines (up to 5 weeks ago) including medicines obtained without prescription.

Some medicines can affect the way ‘PAROSER’ works, or make it more likely that you’ll have side effects. ‘PAROSER’ can also affect the way some other medicines work. These include:

• Medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs, including moclobemide).
• Thioridazine or pimozide, which are anti-psychotics.
• Acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen or other medicines called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like celecoxib, etodolac, diclofenac and meloxicam, used for pain and inflammation
• Tramadol and pethidine, painkillers
• Medicines called triptans, such as sumatriptan, used to treat migraine
• Other antidepressants including other SSRIs
• Medicines such as lithium, risperidone, perphenazine, clozapine (called anti-psychotics) used to treat some psychiatric conditions
• Fentanyl, used in anaesthesia or to treat chronic pain
• A combination of fosamprenavir and ritonavir, which is used to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection
• St John’s Wort, a herbal remedy for depression
• Phenobarbital, phenytoin, sodium valproate or carbamazepine, used to treat fits or epilepsy
• Atomoxetine which is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Procyclidine, used to relieve tremour, especially in Parkinson’s Disease
• Warfarin or other medicines (called anticoagulants) used to thin the blood
• Propafenone, flecainide and medicines used to treat an irregular heartbeat
• Metoprolol, a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and heart problems
• Rifampicin, used to treat tuberculosis (TB) and leprosy
• Linezolid, an antibiotic
• Tamoxifen, which is used to treat breast cancer (or fertility problems).

Herbal supplements should be used with caution and only after informing your doctor first.

What are the possible risks or side-effects?

Important side effects seen with ‘PAROSER’:

• Some patients who take ‘PAROSER’ develop something called akathisia, where they feel restless and feel like they can’t sit or stand still. 
• Other patients develop something called serotonin syndrome, where they have some or all of the following symptoms: feeling confused, feeling restless, sweating, shaking, shivering, hallucinations (strange visions or sounds), sudden jerks of the muscles or a fast heartbeat. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor.

Breaking a bone

• There is an increased risk of breaking a bone in people taking medicines like ‘PAROSER’. This risk is greatest during the early stages of treatment.

Common side effects:

• Feeling sick (nausea). Taking your medicine in the morning with food will reduce the chance of this happening.
• Change in sex drive or sexual function. For example, lack of orgasm and, in men, abnormal erection and ejaculation.
• Increases in the level of cholesterol in the blood
• Lack of appetite
• Not sleeping well (insomnia) or feeling sleepy
• Abnormal dreams (including nightmares)
• Feeling dizzy or shaky (tremours)
• Headache
• Feeling agitated
• Feeling unusually weak
• Blurred vision
• Yawning, dry mouth
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Vomiting
• Weight gain
• Sweating.

Can I drink alcohol while taking it?

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking ‘PAROSER’. Alcohol may make your symptoms or side effects worse.

What if I’m pregnant/breastfeeding?

Paroser should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary. Your doctor may tell you its ok to breast feed while on Paroser.

If you have any more questions please ask your Pharmacist.

Remember to keep all medicines out of reach of children
Please Note: We have made every effort to ensure that the content of this information sheet is correct at time of publish, but remember that information about drugs may change. This sheet does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with this drug. For full details please see the drug information leaflet which comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects which may be relevant in your particular case.

References:

http://patient.info/medicine/paroxetine-seroxat

http://www.drugs.com/paroxetine.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paroxetine

https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a698032.html

http://www.rxlist.com/paxil-side-effects-drug-center.htm

http://www.medicinenet.com/paroxetine-oral/article.htm