Paxil
Overview
- About Paxil
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Return to topThe effects of Paxil during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. Paxil and other SSRI antidepressants have been associated with premature birth. There have been reports of serious complications in newborns who were exposed to Paxil late in the last 3 months of pregnancy. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
Paxil appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with Paxil is finished.
Recommended dosage for Paxil
Return to topThe following dosages are for adults. The safety and effectiveness of Paxil have not been studied in children or adolescents.
DEPRESSION
Paxil
The usual starting dose is 20 milligrams a day, taken as a single dose, usually in the morning. At intervals of at least 1 week, your physician may increase your dosage by 10 milligrams a day, up to a maximum of 50 milligrams a day.
Paxil CR
The recommended starting dose is 25 milligrams a day, usually taken in the morning. At intervals of at least 1 week, the dosage may be increased by 12.5 milligrams a day, up to a maximum of 62.5 milligrams a day.
OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER
The usual starting dose is 20 milligrams a day, typically taken in the morning. At intervals of at least 1 week, your doctor may increase the dosage by 10 milligrams a day. The recommended long-term dosage is 40 milligrams daily. The maximum is 60 milligrams a day.
PANIC DISORDER
Paxil
The usual starting dose is 10 milligrams a day, taken in the morning. At intervals of 1 week or more, the doctor may increase the dose by 10 milligrams a day. The target dose is 40 milligrams daily; dosage should never exceed 60 milligrams.
Paxil CR
The recommended starting dose is 12.5 milligrams a day, usually taken in the morning. At intervals of at least 1 week, the dosage may be increased by 12.5 milligrams a day, up to a maximum of 75 milligrams a day.
GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER
The recommended dose is 20 milligrams taken once a day, usually in the morning.
SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER
Paxil
The recommended dose is 20 milligrams taken once a day, usually in the morning.
Paxil CR
The recommended starting dose is 12.5 milligrams a day, usually taken in the morning. At intervals of at least 1 week, the dosage may be increased by 12.5 milligrams a day, up to a maximum of 37.5 milligrams a day.
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
The recommended dose is 20 milligrams taken once a day, usually in the morning.
PREMENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER
Paxil CR
The recommended starting dose is 12.5 milligrams a day, usually taken in the morning. The doctor will instruct the patient to take the dose either every day of the month or only during the 2 weeks before menstruation begins (the luteal phase of their cycle). If needed, the dose can be increased to 25 milligrams a day.
DOSAGE ADJUSTMENT
For older adults, the weak, and those with severe kidney or liver disease, starting doses are reduced to 10 milligrams daily, and later doses are limited to no more than 40 milligrams a day. Starting doses of Paxil CR are limited to 12.5 milligrams daily, and later doses are limited to no more than 50 milligrams a day.
Overdosage
Return to topAny medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
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Symptoms of Paxil overdose may include:
Coma, dizziness, drowsiness, facial flushing, nausea, sweating, tremor, vomiting
