Paxil
Paxil is a drug commonly used to treat a number of conditions, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. As a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, it works by balancing the levels of a specific chemical in the brain. Paxil comes in tablet and liquid forms, and is usually taken once a day. Ejaculation problems, nausea, and drowsiness are a few of the most common side effects.
What Is Paxil?
Paxil® (paroxetine hydrochloride) is a prescription medicine used to treat a number of conditions within the brain.
Paxil is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. Generic versions are made by several manufacturers.
Paxil is licensed to treat a number of conditions. These uses include the treatment of:
- Depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
How Does It Work?
Paxil is part of a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or
SSRIs for short. SSRIs act on a specific chemical in the brain known as serotonin. This is one of several chemicals used to send messages from one nerve cell to another.
As a message travels down a nerve, it causes the end of the cell to release serotonin. The serotonin enters the gap between the first nerve cell and the one next to it. When enough serotonin reaches the second nerve cell, it activates receptors on the cell, and the message continues on its way. The first cell then quickly absorbs any serotonin that remains in the gap between cells. This is called "reuptake."
Normally, this process works without any problems. But when the levels of serotonin become unbalanced, it can cause a variety of conditions, including depression. Paxil helps to block the reuptake of serotonin so that more remains in the space between the brain's nerve cells. This gives the serotonin a better chance of activating the receptors on the next nerve cell.
Effects of Paxil
Several studies have looked at the effects of Paxil on a variety of conditions.
Depression
Studies have shown Paxil to be effective for depression treatment in adults. People taking the drug had more improvement in their depression symptoms, compared to those not taking it. Also, long-term studies have shown that Paxil can help prevent relapse (when depression comes back).
OCD
In studies, up to 24 percent of adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who took Paxil felt their OCD was "much improved," compared to only 11 percent of those who were not taking it. Only 3 to 7 percent of people taking Paxil felt that their OCD was worse, compared to 14 percent of people not on it.
Panic Disorder
Two studies looked at using Paxil to treat adults with panic disorder. Up to 76 percent of people taking the drug were free from panic attacks, compared to only 44 percent of those not taking it. Paxil has not been studied in children or teens with panic disorder.
Social Anxiety Disorder
In studies on treating social anxiety disorder, up to 77 percent of adults showed improvement while taking Paxil, compared to only 42 percent of those not taking it.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Studies have shown that more people with generalized anxiety disorder taking Paxil have more improvement in their anxiety symptoms, compared to people not taking it. Also, long-term studies have shown that Paxil can help prevent relapse (when anxiety comes back).
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Studies have shown Paxil to be effective for the treatment of PTSD in adults. More people taking the drug felt they were "much improved" or "very much improved," compared to people not taking it. Paxil was also shown to reduce PTSD symptoms.
When and How to Take Paxil
General considerations for when and how to take Paxil include the following:
- Paxil comes in tablet and suspension (liquid) form. You take it by mouth, usually once a day.
- Make sure to shake the liquid form well before each dose.
- If the medication makes you drowsy, try taking it before bedtime. If Paxil causes insomnia, try taking it in the morning. Most people take Paxil in the morning.
- You can take Paxil with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Take Paxil at the same time each day. This will help maintain an even level in your blood.
- For Paxil to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medicine will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Paxil you are prescribed will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of Paxil
As with any medicine, side effects can occur with Paxil. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug well. If side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can be treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects include:
- Ejaculation problems (see Paxil Sexual Side Effects)
- Nausea
- Insomnia (see Paxil and Insomnia)
- Drowsiness
- Weakness
- Dry mouth (see Paxil and Dry Mouth)
- Headache
- Constipation.
You can also read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
Paxil can potentially interact with a number of medicines (see Paxil Drug Interactions for more information).
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Paxil?
Talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Paxil if you have:
- Bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression)
- A history of suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts
- A recent history of heart attack or if you have unstable heart disease
- Diabetes
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Glaucoma (a condition of the eyes)
- Liver disease, including liver failure or cirrhosis
- Kidney problems, including kidney failure (renal failure)
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Paxil and Pregnancy)
- Breastfeeding (see Paxil and Breastfeeding).
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
(Click Paxil Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
Depression, even in its most severe form, is highly treatable. As with many illnesses, getting depression treatment early is more effective and reduces the chance of recurrence.
The most common forms of treatment for depression are medication (antidepressants) and psychotherapy ("talk therapy"). In cases of severe depression, some healthcare providers may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Some people may also try complementary or alternative treatments for depression (see Natural Remedies for Depression).
For most people, Paxil is quite effective at treating depression. It is also generally well tolerated. However, side effects can occur or the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative. Some examples of substitute depression medications include:
- Other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Paxil may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shakiness (tremor)
- Rapid heart rate (tachycardia) or slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- High blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Aggressiveness
- Fainting
- Muscle pain or muscle stiffness
- Liver problems, including hepatitis
- Kidney failure
- Coma
- Loss of life.
If you happen to overdose on Paxil, seek immediate medical attention.
(Click Paxil Overdose for more information.)
Paxil should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. It should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep Paxil and all medications out of the reach of children.
If you do not take your Paxil as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Paxil tablets are available in four strengths:
- Paxil 10 mg
- Paxil 20 mg
- Paxil 30 mg
- Paxil 40 mg.
The liquid form is available in one strength -- Paxil oral suspension 10 mg per 5 mL (10 mg per teaspoonful).
Source: http://anxiety.emedtv.com/paxil/paxil.html
