It is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline.
Paxil CR is licensed to treat a number of conditions. These uses include the treatment of:
Paxil CR is part of a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or
SSRIs for short. SSRIs, such as Paxil CR, act on a specific chemical within the brain known as serotonin. Serotonin is one of several chemicals used to send messages from one nerve cell to another.
As a message travels down a nerve, it causes the end of the cell to release serotonin. The serotonin enters the gap between the first nerve cell and the one next to it. When enough serotonin reaches the second nerve cell, it activates receptors on the cell and the message continues on its way. The first cell then quickly absorbs any serotonin that remains in the gap between cells. This is called "reuptake."
Normally, this process works without any problems. When the levels of serotonin become unbalanced, however, it can cause a variety of conditions, including depression. Paxil CR helps to block the reuptake of serotonin so that more serotonin remains in the space between the brain's nerve cells. This gives the serotonin a better chance of activating the receptors on the next nerve cell.
Paxil CR tablets are specially designed to slowly and evenly release the medication. It is thought that this might provide more consistent effects throughout the day or may cause fewer side effects. However, Paxil CR has not been directly compared to the regular version, Paxil
® (
paroxetine hydrochloride), in clinical studies.
There have been several studies looking at the
effects of Paxil CR for a variety of conditions.
Depression
Studies have shown
Paxil CR to be effective for
depression treatment in adults. In these studies, people taking it had more improvement in their
depression symptoms than people who were not taking the medication. Also, long-term studies have shown that Paxil CR can help prevent relapse (or a return of depression symptoms).
Panic Disorder
Several studies have looked at using Paxil CR to treat adults with
panic disorder. In these studies, people taking it had fewer
panic attacks and less severe
panic attacks when compared to people not taking the medicine. Also, in long-term studies, Paxil CR helped to prevent panic attacks from coming back.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Short-term studies have shown that Paxil CR is effective at treating
social anxiety disorder in adults. In these studies, up to 64 percent of people taking Paxil CR felt that their social
anxiety symptoms were "very much improved" or "much improved," compared to only 34.7 percent of those not taking the drug.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Paxil CR was studied in three clinical trials for PMDD. Two studies looked at using it every day for PMDD treatment. These two studies did not include women who were on
oral contraceptives (
birth control pills). The third study looked at using Paxil CR only for the last two weeks of the menstrual cycle. All three studies showed Paxil CR to be effective for treating PMDD.
When and How to Take Paxil CR
Some general considerations for when and how to take the medication include:
- Paxil CR comes in tablet form and is taken by mouth once daily.
- Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets (see Split Paxil CR). Make sure to swallow the tablets whole.
- If Paxil CR makes you drowsy, try taking it before bedtime. If it causes insomnia, try taking it in the morning (most people take it in the morning).
- You can take it with or without food. If the medicine bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Paxil CR should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Paxil CR that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As is the case with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with
Paxil CR. However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
(Click Paxil CR Side Effects to learn about the specific side effects of Paxil CR, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about other possible side effects by clicking on the following links:
Drug Interactions With Paxil CR
Paxil CR can potentially interact with a number of other medicines.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Paxil CR if you have:
Also let your healthcare provider know if you are:
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Depression, even in its most severe form, is highly treatable. As with many illnesses, getting
depression treatment early is more effective and reduces the chances of recurrence.
The most common forms of treatment for depression are medication (
antidepressants) and psychotherapy ("talk therapy"). In some cases of severe depression, healthcare providers may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Some people may also try complementary or alternative treatments for depression
(see Natural Remedies for Depression).
For most people,
Paxil CR is quite effective at treating depression. It is also generally well tolerated. However, it is possible that side effects will occur, or the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative to Paxil CR. Some examples of substitute depression medications include:
People who take too much of this medication may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shakiness (tremors)
- A rapid heart rate (tachycardia) or slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- High blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Aggressiveness
- Fainting
- Muscle pain or muscle stiffness
- Liver problems, including hepatitis
- Kidney failure
- Coma
- Loss of life.
If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Paxil CR should be stored at room temperature away from moisture or heat. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep Paxil CR and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your dose as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Paxil CR.
Paxil CR tablets are available in three strengths:
- Paxil CR 12.5 mg tablets
- Paxil CR 25 mg tablets
- Paxil CR 37.5 mg tablets.
