Seroxat (paroxetine)

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- Nausea
- Sexual problems
- Decreased appetite
- Sleepiness (somnolence)
- Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)
- Dizziness
- Shaking, usually of the hands (tremor)
- Visual disturbances such as blurred vision
- Yawning
- Dry mouth
- Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea or constipation
- Sweating
- Weakness or loss of strength (asthenia)
- Weight gain
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Abnormal bleeding
- Seizures
- Skin reactions such as rash and itch
- Liver disorders

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.

Paroxetine should not be taken at the same time as monoamine oxidase inhibitor medicines (MAOIs). These include monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressants such as phenelzine and moclobemide, the antibiotic linezolid and the anti-Parkinson's medicine selegeline. Paroxetine should not be started until at least at least a day after stopping moclobemide or linezolid, and at least two weeks after stopping other monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Similarly, treatment with any MAOIs should not be started until at least one week after stopping treatment with paroxetine.

The amount of paroxetine in the blood may be decreased by antiepileptic medicines such as phenytoin, carbamazepine and phenobarbital. If you start taking any of these you should let your doctor know if you think your paroxetine has become less effective.

Paroxetine may increase the blood levels of the following medicines:

- antipsychotic medicines, such as aripiprazole, clozapine, perphenazine, risperidone, thioridazine, and pimozide (paroxetine must not be taken by people taking thioridazine or pimozide)
- some tricyclic antidepressants (clomipramine, imipramine, desipramine, trimipramine)
- atomoxetine
- procyclidine
- propafenone
- metoprolol.

There may be an increase in side effects if paroxetine is taken with the herbal remedy St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). St John's wort should not be taken with paroxetine.

If paroxetine is taken with other medicines that enhance serotonin in the brain, there may be an increased risk of side effects such as agitation, restlessness and diarrhoea, known as the 'serotonin syndrome'. Other medicines that increase serotonin activity include the following:

- certain other antidepressants
- lithium
- rasagiline
- sibutramine
- the herbal St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) - you should not take this in combination with paroxetine
- tramadol
- tryptophan
- triptans for migraine, such as sumatriptan.

There may be an increased risk of bleeding if paroxetine is taken by people who are taking any of the following medicines, which are known to affect the ability of the blood to clot:

- anticoagulants such as warfarin
- antiplatelet medicines such as aspirin, dipyridamole or ticlopidine
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) eg ibuprofen, diclofenac
- some antipsychotic medicines, eg clozapine, chlorpromazine
- some antisickness medicines, eg prochlorperazine
- tricyclic antidepressants.

People with diabetes may find that treatment with paroxetine alters control of their blood sugar. As a result, they may need an adjustment in their dose of insulin or antidiabetic tablets. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information and advice.

Other medicines containing the same active ingredient

Paroxetine tablets are available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.

<<Go To Page 1

The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved