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PAROXETINE FACT SHEET

(Par - ox - ar - teen)

This information is not a replacement of full discussions of risks and benefits with your doctor.

Other names: Loxamine, Aropax

Principal Uses: As an antidepressant and in some anxiety disorders.

Cost: Loxamine is fully subsidised, Paroxetine is partially subsidised.

Dose: Usual starting dose is 20mg, increasing to a usual dose range of 20-50mg.

Some Possible Side Effects: Side effects are usually the most bothersome when you first start medication. If they do not improve tell your doctor. They may include nausea, diarrhoea, sleep changes, an increase in anxiety, yawning, reduced sexual interest/sexual dysfunction, sweating, dry mouth, and unusual sensations.

How It Works: By enhancing the functioning of certain serotonergic nerve cells in the brain.

Use in Pregnancy: Category D

Category D indicates that there is a positive evidence of human foetal risk, but the benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk (e.g., if the drug is needed in a life-threatening situation or for a serious disease for which safer drugs cannot be used or are ineffective).

Use in Lactation: Category L2

This category indicates that the medication has been studied in a limited number of breast feeding women without an increase in adverse effects in the infant and/or, the evidence of a demonstrated risk which is likely to follow use of this medication in a breast feeding woman is remote.


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