Paroxetine (Cobalt Pharmaceuticals): Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

ABOUT THIS MEDICATION

What the medication is used for:

PAROXETINE has been prescribed to you by your doctor to relieve your symptoms of:

• depression, (feeling sad, a change in appetite or weight,

  difficulty concentrating or sleeping, feeling tired, headaches, unexplained aches and pain)

• panic attacks

• social phobia (social anxiety disorder) - avoidance and/or fear

  of social situations

• generalized anxiety or nervousness

• obsessive compulsive disorder (recurrent and intrusive

  thought, feeling, idea or sensation; recurrent pattern of behaviour, or unwanted thoughts or actions), or • posttraumatic stress disorder (anxiety following a traumatic

  event, for example a car crash, physical assault, natural disaster such as an earthquake).

What it does:

PAROXETINE belongs to the family of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). PAROXETINE is thought to work by increasing the levels of a chemical in the brain called serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine).

When it should not be used:

Do not use PAROXETINE if you are:

• allergic to it or any of the components of its formulation (see

  list of components at the end of this section). • currently taking or have recently taken monoamine oxidase

  (MAO) inhibitor antidepressants (e.g. phenelzine sulphate, moclobemide) or linezolid, a MAO inhibitor antibiotic • currently taking or have recently taken thioridazine or

  pimozide.

What the medicinal ingredient is:

Paroxetine hydrochloride

What the important nonmedicinal ingredients are:

Non-medicinal ingredients include mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate and magnesium stearate.

The film-coatings contain basic butylated methacrylate copolymer, lecithin, polyvinyl alcohol - partially hydrolyzed, talc, titanium dioxide, xanthan gum, and one or more of the following colouring components: iron oxide yellow, iron oxide red, D&C red #30, FD&C blue #2.

There is no ethanol, gluten, lactose, sulfite, or tartrazine in PAROXETINE.

What dosage forms it comes in:

PAROXETINE is available as a 10 mg yellow tablet, a 20 mg pink tablet, and a 30 mg blue tablet.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

During treatment with these types of medication it is important that you and your doctor have good ongoing communication about how you are feeling.

PAROXETINE is not for use in children under 18 years of age.

New or Worsened Emotional or Behavioural Problems

Particularly in the first few weeks or when doses are adjusted, a small number of patients taking drugs of this type may feel worse instead of better, for example, they may experience unusual feelings of agitation, hostility or anxiety, or have impulsive or disturbing thoughts such as thoughts of self-harm or harm to others. Should this happen to you, or to those in your care if you are a caregiver or guardian, consult your doctor immediately. Close observation by a doctor is necessary in this situation. Do not discontinue your medication on your own.

BEFORE you use PAROXETINE tell your doctor:

• all your medical conditions, including a history of seizures, liver or kidney disease, heart problems or history of any abnormal bleeding;
• any medications (prescription or non prescription) which you are taking or have recently taken, especially monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressants (e.g. phenelzine sulphate, moclobemide) or any other antidepressants, thioridazine, pimozide, drugs used to prevent fits (anticonvulsants), drugs for Parkinson’s disease, or drugs containing tryptophan
• if you have ever had any allergic reaction to medications, food, etc.

• any natural or herbal products you are taking (e.g. St.

  John’s Wort);

• if you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, or if you are breast feeding;

• your habits of alcohol and/or street drug consumption; • if you drive a vehicle or perform hazardous tasks during your work.

Effects on pregnancy and Newborns

As stated above, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any medicine including PAROXETINE. If you are already taking/using PAROXETINE and have just found out that you are pregnant, you should talk to your doctor immediately. You should also talk to your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant.

Taking PAROXETINE in early stages of pregnancy:

Some studies have suggested an increase risk of birth defects particularly heart defects, in babies whose mothers received paroxetine in the first few months of pregnancy. These studies found that about 2 in 100 babies (2%) whose mother received paroxetine in early pregnancy had a heart defect, compared with the normal rate of 1 in 100 babies (1%) seen in the general population. Also, in cases where paroxetine has been used, there have been reports of premature births although it is not known if these premature births are due to the use of paroxetine.

Taking PAROXETINE in later stages of pregnancy:

Possible complications at birth (from taking any newer antidepressant, including PAROXETINE):

Post-marketing reports indicate that some newborns whose mothers took an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or other newer anti-depressant, during pregnancy have developed complications at birth requiring prolonged hospitalization, breathing support and tube feeding. Reported symptoms included feeding and/or breathing difficulties, seizures, tense or overly relaxed muscles, jitteriness and constant crying.

In most cases, the newer anti-depressant was taken during the third trimester of pregnancy. These symptoms are consistent with either a direct adverse effect of the anti-depressant on the baby, or possibly a discontinuation syndrome caused by sudden withdrawal from the drug. These symptoms normally resolve over time. However, if your baby experiences any of these symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as you can.

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (PPHN) and newer antidepressants, including PAROXETINE:

Preliminary information suggests that use of SSRIs during the second half of pregnancy may be associated with an increased rate of a serious lung condition (PPHN) that causes breathing difficulties in newborns soon after birth. According to the study, babies born with this condition were 6 times more likely than healthy babies to be exposed to SSRIs. In the general population, PPHN is known to occur at a rate of about 1-2 per 1000 newborns.

If you are pregnant and taking an SSRI, or other newer anti-depressant, you should discuss the risks and benefits of the various treatment options with your doctor. It is very important that you do NOT stop taking these medications without first consulting your doctor. See SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM section for more information.

INTERACTIONS WITH THIS MEDICATION

Do not use PAROXETINE if you are taking or have recently taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors, thioridazine, or pimozide.

You should tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any medications (prescription, non-prescription or natural/herbal), especially:

• other antidepressants, such as SSRIs and certain tricyclics • other drugs that affect serotonin such as, lithium, linezolid, tramadol, tryptophan, St. John’s Wort, triptans used to treat migraines.
• certain medicines used to treat patients with irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)
• certain medicines used to treat schizophrenia • certain medicines used to treat bipolar depression, such as lithium

• a combination of fosamprenavir and ritonavir, used to treat

  Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection • procyclidine, which is used to treat Parkinson’s Disease or other movement disorders

• metoprolol, which is used to treat high blood pressure and angina
• certain medicines which may affect blood clotting and increase bleeding, such as oral anti-coagulants (e.g. warfarin), aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen)
• certain medicines used to treat epilepsy
• in general, drinking alcoholic beverages should be kept to a minimum or avoided completely while taking PAROXETINE.

PROPER USE OF THIS MEDICATION

Usual dose:

• It is very important that you take PAROXETINE exactly as your doctor has instructed. Generally most people take between 20 mg to 40 mg of PAROXETINE per day for depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social phobia (social anxiety disorder), generalized anxiety disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder; although your doctor may start you at 10 mg per day for panic disorder. • Take your tablets in the morning, preferably with food. You should swallow the tablets whole with water. Do not chew them.

• You should continue to take your medicine even if you do not feel better, as it may take a number of weeks for your medicine to work.
• Keep taking your tablets, as instructed, until the doctor tells you to stop
• Talk to your doctor before you stop taking your medication on your own.

Remember: This medicine has been prescribed only for you. Do not give it to anybody else, as they may experience undesirable effects, which may be serious.

Missed Dose:

If you forget to take your tablet in the morning, take it as soon as you remember. Take your next dose at the normal time the next morning, then carry on as before. Do not try to make up for a missed dose by taking a double dose the next time.

Overdose:

If you have taken a large number of tablets at once, contact your doctor or the nearest hospital emergency department or poison control centre immediately, even though you may not feel sick. Show the doctor your pack of tablets.

SIDE EFFECTS AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM

Like all medications, PAROXETINE can cause some side effects. You may not experience any of them. For most patients these side effects are likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious. Some of these side effects may be dose related. Consult your doctor if you experience these or other side effects, as the dose may have to be adjusted.

If you experience an allergic reaction (including skin rash, hives, swelling, trouble breathing) or any severe or unusual side effects, stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately.

The most common side effects of PAROXETINE are: • nausea

• dry mouth
• drowsiness
• weakness
• dizziness
• sweating
• nervousness
• sleep disturbances
• sexual problems

• Although psychiatric disorders are often associated with

  decreases in sexual desire, performance and satisfaction, treatment with this medication may lead to further decreases.

Other effects may include loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea and headache.

PAROXETINE does not usually affect people’s normal activities. However, some people feel sleepy while taking it, in which case they should not drive or operate machinery.

PAROXETINE may raise cholesterol levels in some patients.

New or Worsened Emotional or Behavioural Problems

A small number of patients taking a drug of this type may feel worse instead of better; for example, they may experience new or worsened feelings of agitation, hostility or anxiety, or thoughts about suicide. Your doctor should be informed of such changes immediately. Close observation by a doctor is necessary in this situation. Do not discontinue your medication on your own. See also the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS section.

Discontinuation Symptoms

Contact your doctor before stopping or reducing your dosage of

PAROXETINE. Symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, agitation/restlessness, anxiety, sweating, headache, sleep disturbance, electric shock sensations, tinnitus (buzzing, hissing, whistling, ringing or other persistent noise in the ears) and other symptoms have been reported after stopping treatment, reducing the dosage of PAROXETINE, or when a dose is missed. These symptoms usually disappear without needing treatment. Tell your doctor immediately if you have these or any other symptoms. Your doctor may adjust the dosage of PAROXETINE to alleviate the symptoms. See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS section for more information.

Effects on Newborns

Some newborns whose mothers took an SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) or other newer anti-depressant, such as PAROXETINE, during pregnancy have shown such symptoms as breathing and feeding difficulties, jitteriness and constant crying. If your baby experiences any of these symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as you can. See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS section for more information.

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS, HOW OFTEN THEY HAPPEN AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM

*If you think you have these side effects, it is important that you seek medical advice from your doctor straight away.

This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking PAROXETINE, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO STORE IT

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children. • Store at room temperature (15-30°C) in a dry place. • Keep container tightly closed.
• If your doctor tells you to stop taking PAROXETINE, please return any left over medicine to your pharmacist.

REPORTING SUSPECTED SIDE EFFECTS

You can report any suspected adverse reactions associated with the use of health products to the Canada Vigilance Program by one of the following 3 ways:

• Report online at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/medeffect • Call toll-free at 1-866-234-2345

• Complete a Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and:

  • Fax toll-free to 1-866-678-6789, or

  • Mail to: Canada Vigilance Program Health Canada

    Postal Locator 0701C

    Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9

Postage paid labels, Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and the adverse reaction reporting guidelines are available on the MedEffect^™ Canada Web site at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/medeffect.

MORE INFORMATION

You may need to read this package insert again. Please do not throw it away until you have finished your medicine. This document plus the full product monograph, prepared for health professionals can be found by contacting the sponsor, Cobalt Pharmaceuticals Inc., at:

1-866-254-6111

Cobalt Pharmaceuticals Inc.

6500 Kitimat Road

Mississauga, ON

L5N 2B8

Last revised: January 25, 2010