Common use

Pexep treats depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It increases the amount of serotonin in the brain, a hormone that helps regulate mood. It belongs to a group of medications called SSRIs.

Dosage and direction

Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly except upon the advice of your care team. Stopping this medication too quickly may cause serious side effects or your condition may worsen.

Precautions

Before taking Pexep tell your doctor or chemist if you are allergic to it; or if you have other allergies.
Inform your doctor or chemist if you have bipolar confusion, eye, liver or kidney problems.
Aged people can be more sensitive to side effects of the medicine.
During the pregnancy this treatment should be used only when strongly necessary.
As this medicament can be absorbed by skin, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not manipulate this medicine.

Contraindications

Pexep should not be used by pregnant/nursing women or children as well as by the patients having demonstrated a reaction of hypersensitivity to Paroxetine.
Pexep should not be taken if you have an allergy to paroxetine or any of its components.

Possible side effect

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions - skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Bleeding - bloody or black, tar-like stools, red or dark brown urine, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, small, red or purple spots on skin, unusual bleeding or bruising.
Heart rhythm changes - fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing.
Low sodium level - muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, confusion.
Serotonin syndrome - irritability, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, twitching muscles, sweating, high fever, seizures, chills, vomiting, diarrhea.
Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss.
Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression.

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): Change in sex drive or performance; Diarrhea; Excessive sweating; Nausea; Tremors or shaking; Upset stomach.

Drug interaction

This medication may interact with other antidepressants (e.g., MAOIs and tricyclics), conventional antipsychotics (e.g., pimozide), selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) (e.g., tamoxifen), anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), salicylates (e.g., aspirin), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (e.g., ibuprofen), and migraine medicines called triptans (e.g., almotriptan, eletriptan).

Missed dose

If you forget to take a dose of Pexep, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Overdose

An overdose of Pexep can be serious and may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, uncontrollable shaking, drowsiness, and increased heartbeat. If you accidentally take too much Pexep, seek medical help immediately.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.