Q: Who should not take Paxil?
A: Never take Paxil while taking another drug that treats depression, called a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI), or if you have stopped taking an MAOI in the last 14 days. Taking these two drugs close in time can result in serious (and sometimes fatal) reactions including high body temperature, coma, and seizures (convulsions).

Never take Paxil if you are taking Mellaril (thioridazine), a drug used to treat schizophrenia. Taking Paxil and Mellaril together can cause heartbeat problems.

Q: Are there any serious health risks associated with Paxil?
A: Harmful side effects may occur if you stop taking Paxil suddenly. Your healthcare professional should slowly decrease your dose as necessary. Other risks include an increased risk of having suicidal thoughts or actions, bleeding problems, mania, seizures, and sexual problems. There are also increased risks if you take Paxil while you are or may become pregnant.

Q: Are there any side effects associated with Paxil?
A: Side effects associated with Paxil use include weakness, dry mouth, constipation, yawning, infection, diarrhea, sweating, dizziness, tremor, nervousness, nausea, difficulty sleeping, decreased appetite, and sleepiness.

Q: What should I tell my healthcare professional before he or she prescribes Paxil?
A: It is important to tell your healthcare professional about all known medical conditions, especially if you have liver or kidney disease, or glaucoma. Tell your healthcare professional if you breast-feed or plan to breast-feed your baby; about all prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements that you take; and if you plan to drink alcohol while taking Paxil.

Q: What should I do if I think I have been injured as a result of taking Paxil?
A: If you or a loved one have experienced any dangerous symptoms or unusual medical conditions related to Paxil use, you should first contact your doctor or other healthcare professional. You may also wish to meet with an experienced attorney to discuss your options and to protect your right to a legal remedy for any injuries caused by Paxil use.