What are paroxetine (Paxil) side effects?

Some of the common side effects of paroxetine are listed below. Tell your doctor if these adverse effects are severe or do not go away with time.

• Headache, dizziness
• Forgetfulness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, nervousness
• Weakness
• Sleepiness
• Gas, stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
• Change in taste, change in appetite
• Weight gain or weight loss
• Dry mouth, soreness in the teeth or gums
• Sensitivity to light
• Changes in sex drive or sexual function
• Sweating, flushing
• Yawning
• Unusual dreams
• Pain, tenderness, swelling, or weakness in the muscles or joints
• Irregular or painful menstruation

Paroxetine can also have serious adverse effects. Tell your doctor right away if you experience symptoms such as:

• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there) 
• Fainting
• Sudden nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, bloating, headache, confusion
• Chest pain, difficulty breathing 
• Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• Fever, sweating, confusion, fast heartbeat, and severe stiffness or twitching of the muscles
• Seizures
• Abnormal bruising or bleeding 
• Hives, skin rash, itching, peeling or blistering skin, or tiny red spots in the skin
• Fever, chills, sore throat, cough (signs of infection)
• Uncontrolled shaking, unsteady walking
• Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
• Changes in urination (difficulty, frequency, or pain)
• Vaginal infection (itching, swelling, burning in the vagina)
• A painful erection that lasts for more than 4 hours
• Swelling of the throat, tongue, lips, face, eyes, hands, lower legs, ankles, or feet
• Hoarseness or difficulty swallowing
• Black, tarry stools, blood in stools
• Vomit that is bloody or looks like coffee grounds

The above list may not include all the potential side effects of paroxetine. Talk to your doctor if you have severe side effects or the side effects do not improve over time. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Paroxetine Overdose: Call your doctor immediately in case of a known or suspected overdose. If the person can’t be awakened, has had a seizure, or has trouble breathing, call 911. Symptoms of paroxetine overdose may include drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, loss of consciousness, uncontrolled shaking, fast or irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, fever, extreme tiredness, blurred vision, unusual bruising or bleeding, pain in the right upper part of the stomach, yellowing of skin or eyes, flu-like symptoms, muscle pain, muscle twitching, dark colored urine, urination difficulties, abnormally excited mood, aggression. 

NOTE: Paroxetine is a prescription drug that is the property of the respective owners and is intended for their use only. Never share your prescription medication with others or use someone else’s paroxetine.

Source: FDA