Uses
Paxil is used for treating conditions and symptoms of depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD, and anxiety disorders.

How to take Paxil
Paxil is available in 10 to 40mg tablets, and also in 10 mg/5 mL concentrate oral suspension. These are ingested orally once a day, at roughly the same time each day; it may be taken with or without prior food intake. The tablets are meant to be swallowed whole, and not crushed, chewed, or broken. Shake well the liquid form before intake. Take the drug exactly as prescribed by the physician; the latter may adjust the dose of intake according to the need of the user.

Side effects
If any of the following symptoms are experienced, get immediate medical help: allergic reactions such as swelling of the tongue, face, lips or the throat, difficulty in breathing; and hives; mood changes, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, restlessness, panic attacks, and hyperactivity; seizure, a quickened heartbeat, agitation, confusion, and sweating; muscle twitching and stiffness, tremors, and shivering.

Drug precautions
Potential users who have kidney or liver disease, or are experiencing episodes of seizure, mania, and epilepsy should consult first with their doctor before taking Paxil. The dosage may be adjusted or regulated to fit their individual conditions. The same is applicable for conceiving or breastfeeding women. Alcohol intake is discouraged, as it contributes to the side effects of the drug. People under the treatment of the drug should likewise take extra precaution when doing activities requiring focus and alertness.

Drug interactions
Those who are taking pain, swelling, arthritis, and fever medications, as well as other antidepressants and medications for heart rythms, should consult with their doctor first before taking Paxil. The same goes for people taking the following drugs: almotriptan, zolmitriptan, frovatriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, and naratriptan; prochlorperazine, mesoridazine, chlorpromazine, and fluphenazine.

Overdose
Symptoms of an overdose usually include confusion, tremors, blurred vision, a quickened heartbeat, nausea, seizures, decreased urination, and coma. Seek immediate medical help in such instances.

Missed dose
Take a missed dose as soon as possible; but if the next dose is due near, then skip the missed one and follow the regular intake schedule. Avoid from taking double doses of the drug.

Storage
Store Paxil in temperatures between 20 and 25 °C, away from moisture and heat.