Good idea or silly concept? If you cut prescription pills in half you may be able to slash your prescription costs by 25 to 50 percent per year.
However you are also cutting down some health benefits and taking a huge slice out of prescription effectiveness. Breaking pills in half can lead to improper dosages and unusable pills. You may end up costing yourself more in terms of money and health. There is ongoing research that identifies which prescription pills can be safely split.
It does depend on the coating and the way the pill is supposed to act in your body. You can buy pill splitters in a local pharmacy and these devices are equipped with a blade and a tray to hold the pill; this may help split a pill evenly.
Prepackaged medications cannot be split and this includes birth control pills and medication in capsule form. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription. You and your doctor should monitor certain health issues.
This can help make sure you stay safe while you take this drug. These issues include:. Many insurance companies require a prior authorization for certain forms or brands of this drug. This means your doctor will need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription. There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others.
Talk to your doctor about other drug options that may work for you. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication.
The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.
The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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Paroxetine, Oral Tablet. Written by University of Illinois on June 9, Important warnings About Side effects Interactions Other warnings Dosage Take as directed Important considerations Alternatives Highlights for paroxetine Paroxetine oral tablet is available in immediate-release and extended-release forms.
So cut a pill just before you take it, then take the other half as your next dose. That helps ensure that you compensate for any deviation in size. And split pills in half—not into smaller portions, such as quarters. When in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to do it properly. There is no official, complete list of medicines that can be split. But it is usually okay to split drugs that treat:. But some drugs should never be split.
For example, the pain medicine oxycodone OxyContin is released over time in the body. If you split it, you could get an overdose. These materials were made possible by a grant from the state Attorney General Consumer and Prescriber Education Grant Program, which is funded by a multistate settlement of consumer fraud claims regarding the marketing of the prescription drug Neurontin gabapentin.
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Sign In. Metabolic and Nutritional: Frequent: Weight gain; infrequent: Edema, peripheral edema, SGOT increased, SGPT increased, thirst, weight loss; rare: Alkaline phosphatase increased, bilirubinemia, BUN increased, creatinine phosphokinase increased, dehydration, gamma globulins increased, gout, hypercalcemia, hypercholesteremia, hyperglycemia, hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, hyponatremia, ketosis, lactic dehydrogenase increased, non-protein nitrogen NPN increased.
Musculoskeletal System: Frequent: Arthralgia; infrequent: Arthritis, arthrosis; rare: Bursitis, myositis, osteoporosis, generalized spasm, tenosynovitis, tetany.
Nervous System: Frequent: Emotional lability, vertigo; infrequent: Abnormal thinking, alcohol abuse, ataxia, dystonia, dyskinesia, euphoria, hallucinations, hostility, hypertonia, hypesthesia, hypokinesia, incoordination, lack of emotion, libido increased, manic reaction, neurosis, paralysis, paranoid reaction; rare: Abnormal gait, akinesia, antisocial reaction, aphasia, choreoathetosis, circumoral paresthesias, convulsion, delirium, delusions, diplopia, drug dependence, dysarthria, extrapyramidal syndrome, fasciculations, grand mal convulsion, hyperalgesia, hysteria, manic-depressive reaction, meningitis, myelitis, neuralgia, neuropathy, nystagmus, peripheral neuritis, psychotic depression, psychosis, reflexes decreased, reflexes increased, stupor, torticollis, trismus, withdrawal syndrome.
Respiratory System: Infrequent: Asthma, bronchitis, dyspnea, epistaxis, hyperventilation, pneumonia, respiratory flu; rare: Emphysema, hemoptysis, hiccups, lung fibrosis, pulmonary edema, sputum increased, stridor, voice alteration.
Skin and Appendages: Frequent: Pruritus; infrequent: Acne, alopecia, contact dermatitis, dry skin, ecchymosis, eczema, herpes simplex, photosensitivity, urticaria; rare: Angioedema, erythema nodosum, erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis, fungal dermatitis, furunculosis; herpes zoster, hirsutism, maculopapular rash, seborrhea, skin discoloration, skin hypertrophy, skin ulcer, sweating decreased, vesiculobullous rash. Special Senses: Frequent: Tinnitus; infrequent: Abnormality of accommodation, conjunctivitis, ear pain, eye pain, keratoconjunctivitis, mydriasis, otitis media; rare: Amblyopia, anisocoria, blepharitis, cataract, conjunctival edema, corneal ulcer, deafness, exophthalmos, eye hemorrhage, glaucoma, hyperacusis, night blindness, otitis externa, parosmia, photophobia, ptosis, retinal hemorrhage, taste loss, visual field defect.
Urogenital System: Infrequent: Amenorrhea, breast pain, cystitis, dysuria, hematuria, menorrhagia, nocturia, polyuria, pyuria, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, urinary urgency, vaginitis; rare: Abortion, breast atrophy, breast enlargement, endometrial disorder, epididymitis, female lactation, fibrocystic breast, kidney calculus, kidney pain, leukorrhea, mastitis, metrorrhagia, nephritis, oliguria, salpingitis, urethritis, urinary casts, uterine spasm, urolith, vaginal hemorrhage, vaginal moniliasis.
There has been a case report of an elevated phenytoin level after 4 weeks of Paroxetine Tablets and phenytoin coadministration. There has been a case report of severe hypotension when Paroxetine Tablets were added to chronic metoprolol treatment. Controlled Substance Class: Paroxetine hydrochloride is not a controlled substance. Physical and Psychologic Dependence: Paroxetine Tablets have not been systematically studied in animals or humans for its potential for abuse, tolerance or physical dependence.
Consequently, patients should be evaluated carefully for history of drug abuse, and such patients should be observed closely for signs of misuse or abuse of Paroxetine Tablets e. Human Experience: Since the introduction of Paroxetine Tablets in the United States, spontaneous cases of deliberate or accidental overdosage during paroxetine treatment have been reported worldwide circa These include overdoses with paroxetine alone and in combination with other substances.
Of these, 48 cases were fatal and of the fatalities, 17 appeared to involve paroxetine alone. Eight fatal cases that documented the amount of paroxetine ingested were generally confounded by the ingestion of other drugs or alcohol or the presence of significant comorbid conditions.
Of non-fatal cases with known outcome, most recovered without sequelae. The largest known ingestion involved 2, mg of paroxetine 33 times the maximum recommended daily dose in a patient who recovered.
Commonly reported adverse events associated with paroxetine overdosage include somnolence, coma, nausea, tremor, tachycardia, confusion, vomiting, and dizziness. Other notable signs and symptoms observed with overdoses involving paroxetine alone or with other substances include mydriasis, convulsions including status epilepticus , ventricular dysrhythmias including torsade de pointes , hypertension, aggressive reactions, syncope, hypotension, stupor, bradycardia, dystonia, rhabdomyolysis, symptoms of hepatic dysfunction including hepatic failure, hepatic necrosis, jaundice, hepatitis, and hepatic steatosis , serotonin syndrome, manic reactions, myoclonus, acute renal failure, and urinary retention.
Ensure an adequate airway, oxygenation, and ventilation. Monitor cardiac rhythm and vital signs. General supportive and symptomatic measures are also recommended. Induction of emesis is not recommended. Due to the large volume of distribution of this drug, forced diuresis, dialysis, hemoperfusion, or exchange transfusion are unlikely to be of benefit. A specific caution involves patients who are taking or have recently taken paroxetine who might ingest excessive quantities of a tricyclic antidepressant.
In managing overdosage, consider the possibility of multiple drug involvement. The physician should consider contacting a poison control center for additional information on the treatment of any overdose. Systematic evaluation of the efficacy of Paroxetine Tablets has shown that efficacy is maintained for periods of up to 1 year with doses that averaged about 30 mg. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Usual Initial Dosage: Paroxetine Tablets should be administered as a single daily dose with or without food, usually in the morning.
Dose changes should occur at intervals of at least 1 week. Panic Disorder: Usual Initial Dosage: Paroxetine Tablets should be administered as a single daily dose with or without food, usually in the morning. Social Anxiety Disorder: Usual Initial Dosage: Paroxetine Tablets should be administered as a single daily dose with or without food, usually in the morning.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Usual Initial Dosage: Paroxetine Tablets should be administered as a single daily dose with or without food, usually in the morning. Nevertheless, patients should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for maintenance treatment. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Usual Initial Dosage : Paroxetine Tablets should be administered as a single daily dose with or without food, usually in the morning.
Maintenance Therapy : There is no body of evidence available to answer the question of how long the patient treated with Paroxetine Tablets should remain on it.
Although the efficacy of Paroxetine Tablets beyond 12 weeks of dosing has not been demonstrated in controlled clinical trials, PTSD is recognized as a chronic condition, and it is reasonable to consider continuation of treatment for a responding patient.
Dosage adjustments should be made to maintain the patient on the lowest effective dosage, and patients should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for continued treatment.
When treating pregnant women with paroxetine during the third trimester, the physician should carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of treatment. In some cases, a patient already receiving therapy with Paroxetine Tablets may require urgent treatment with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. If acceptable alternatives to linezolid or intravenous methylene blue treatment are not available and the potential benefits of linezolid or intravenous methylene blue treatment are judged to outweigh the risks of serotonin syndrome in a particular patient, Paroxetine Tablets should be stopped promptly, and linezolid or intravenous methylene blue can be administered.
The patient should be monitored for symptoms of serotonin syndrome for 2 weeks or until 24 hours after the last dose of linezolid or intravenous methylene blue, whichever comes first.
The above 10 mg and 20 mg strength tablets are functionally scored, each can be split into two halves. Manufactured by: Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceutical Co.
Read the Medication Guide that comes with Paroxetine Tablets before you start taking it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information.
This Medication Guide does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment. Talk with your healthcare provider if there is something you do not understand or want to learn more about. What is the most important information I should know about Paroxetine Tablets? Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms, or call if an emergency. Paroxetine Tablets may be associated with these serious side effects:.
Only some people are at risk for these problems. You may want to undergo an eye examination to see if you are at risk and receive preventative treatment if you are. Do not stop Paroxetine Tablets without first talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping Paroxetine Tablets too quickly may cause serious symptoms including:. Paroxetine Tablets are prescription medicines used to treat depression.
It is important to talk with your healthcare provider about the risks of treating depression and also the risks of not treating it. You should discuss all treatment choices with your healthcare provider. Paroxetine Tablets are also used to treat:.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you do not think that your condition is getting better with treatment using Paroxetine Tablets.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take , including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Paroxetine Tablets and some medicines may interact with each other, may not work as well, or may cause serious side effects. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can tell you if it is safe to take Paroxetine Tablets with your other medicines.
Do not start or stop any medicine while taking Paroxetine Tablets without talking to your healthcare provider first. Paroxetine Tablets can cause sleepiness or may affect your ability to make decisions, think clearly, or react quickly. You should not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how Paroxetine Tablets affect you. Do not drink alcohol while using Paroxetine Tablets.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of Paroxetine Tablets. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Keep Paroxetine Tablets and all medicines out of the reach of children. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide.
Do not use Paroxetine Tablets for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Paroxetine Tablets to other people, even if they have the same condition. It may harm them. This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about Paroxetine Tablets. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider.
You may ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about Paroxetine Tablets that is written for healthcare professionals. Inactive ingredients in tablets: hypromellose, glyceryl behenate, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycols, iron oxide yellow, and iron oxide red.
Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior suicidality in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder MDD and other psychiatric disorders.
The 10 mg and 20 mg strength tablets are functionally scored, each can be split into two halves. Other Clinical Pharmacology Information: Specific Populations: Renal and Liver Disease: Increased plasma concentrations of paroxetine occur in subjects with renal and hepatic impairment.
Clinical Trials. Suicide is a known risk of depression and certain other psychiatric disorders, and these disorders themselves are the strongest predictors of suicide. There has been a long-standing concern, however, that antidepressants may have a role in inducing worsening of depression and the emergence of suicidality in certain patients during the early phases of treatment.
Pooled analyses of short-term placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs SSRIs and others showed that these drugs increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior suicidality in children, adolescents, and young adults ages with major depressive disorder MDD and other psychiatric disorders.
Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. No increase in the risk of overall congenital malformations was seen in the paroxetine-exposed infants. The cardiac malformations in the paroxetine-exposed infants were primarily ventricular septal defects VSDs and atrial septal defects ASDs. Septal defects range in severity from those that resolve spontaneously to those which require surgery.
This study showed a trend towards an increased risk for cardiovascular malformations for paroxetine risk of 1. Of the 12 paroxetine-exposed infants with cardiovascular malformations, 9 had VSDs.
In one study the odds ratio was 2. In a subset of patients classified as bipolar, the rate of manic episodes was 2. As with all drugs effective in the treatment of major depressive disorder, Paroxetine Tablets should be used cautiously in patients with a history of mania. Discontinuation of Treatment With Paroxetine Tablets: Recent clinical trials supporting the various approved indications for Paroxetine Tablets employed a taper-phase regimen, rather than an abrupt discontinuation of treatment.
Drug Interactions: Tryptophan: As with other serotonin reuptake inhibitors, an interaction between paroxetine and tryptophan may occur when they are coadministered. Adverse experiences, consisting primarily of headache, nausea, sweating, and dizziness, have been reported when tryptophan was administered to patients taking Paroxetine Tablets. Drugs Highly Bound to Plasma Protein: Because paroxetine is highly bound to plasma protein, administration of Paroxetine Tablets to a patient taking another drug that is highly protein bound may cause increased free concentrations of the other drug, potentially resulting in adverse events.
Conversely, adverse effects could result from displacement of paroxetine by other highly bound drugs. Epidemiological studies of the case-control and cohort design that have demonstrated an association between use of psychotropic drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake and the occurrence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding have also shown that concurrent use of an NSAID or aspirin may potentiate this risk of bleeding.
Patients receiving warfarin therapy should be carefully monitored when paroxetine is initiated or discontinued. Table 2. Table 3. Table 4. Body as a Whole Asthenia 0. Adaptation to Certain Adverse Events: Over a 4- to 6-week period, there was evidence of adaptation to some adverse events with continued therapy e. Male and Female Sexual Dysfunction With SSRIs: Although changes in sexual desire, sexual performance, and sexual satisfaction often occur as manifestations of a psychiatric disorder, they may also be a consequence of pharmacologic treatment.
In particular, some evidence suggests that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs can cause such untoward sexual experiences. Table 6. Weight and Vital Sign Changes: Significant weight loss may be an undesirable result of treatment with Paroxetine Tablets for some patients but, on average, patients in controlled trials had minimal about 1 pound weight loss versus smaller changes on placebo and active control.
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