It is important to remember that your doctor prescribed paroxetine because its benefits as an effective antidepressant outweigh any adverse side effects it may cause.
Adverse side effects associated with paroxetine, however, may include: dizziness, constipation, dry mouth, headache, nausea, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, weakness, sweating, blurred vision, sexual problems (in both men and women), weight loss or weight gain.
It is normal to experience some mild side effects when you first start taking Paroxetine. These side effects usually go away after you have been taking the medication for a couple of weeks. Be sure to tell your doctor if they don’t go away or worsen. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including eye pain/swelling/redness, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night), or any allergic reactions.
This is not a complete list of side effects. For more information on adverse effects you may experience while taking Paroxetine HCL, please visit the National Institutes of Health’s DailyMed webpage.
WARNING: In short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders, antidepressants showed an increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults compared to placebo. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or 911 immediately.