Side Effects of Paroxetine Controlled Release

Nausea, ejaculation problems, and headaches are among the most common side effects of paroxetine controlled release. A few rare side effects of the medication include coughing, joint pain, and muscle tightness. There are also potentially serious paroxetine controlled release side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider, such as hostility or aggressiveness, hallucinations, and rapid heart rate.

Side Effects of Paroxetine Controlled Release: An Introduction

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with paroxetine controlled release (Paxil CR®). However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If side effects of paroxetine controlled release do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with paroxetine controlled release. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of side effects with you.)
 

Paroxetine Controlled Release Side Effects to Report

There are a number of less common but more serious side effects of paroxetine controlled release that you should report to your healthcare provider.
 These include but are not limited to:
 
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior (see Paxil CR and Suicide)
  • Anxiety, agitation, or panic attacks
  • Hostility or aggressiveness
  • Engaging in unusual or dangerous activities
  • Restlessness or an inability to sit still
  • Extreme elation or a feeling of happiness that may switch back and forth with a depressed or sad mood
  • Other unusual changes in behavior 
  • Signs of serotonin syndrome (a rare but dangerous problem associated with certain medications), such as:
    •  
    • Confusion or other mental changes
    • A rapid heart rate
    • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
    • Hallucinations
    • Blood pressure changes
    • An irregular heart rhythm
    • Overactive reflexes
    • Fever, sweating, or shivering
    • Shakiness
    • Agitation
    • Seizures
    • Coma

 

  • Chest palpitations
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Feelings of internal restless or jitteriness
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, including unexplained rash, hives, itching, unexplained swelling, wheezing, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
 
Side Effects of Paroxetine Controlled Release Article Continues on Next Page >
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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