Paxil (Paroxetine) - Do You NEED Paxil!

Paxil is used for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.  Paxil is an antidepressant medication in the same class as Zoloft and Prozac. Paxil was developed as a treatment for depression, and social phobia. Over time Paxil has begun to be used for other problems.  Such as treatment of panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.

Paxil is approved for the treatment of depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder in adults.

Paxil (Paroxetine) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. Paroxetine works by rising levels of serotonin, one of the neurotransmitter chemicals that carry messages between brain nerve cells. Neurotransmitters like serotonin are involved in the regulation of pain, pleasure, panic, anxiety, arousal, and sleep behavior.

Paxil (Paroxetine) specifically acts on serotonin, and has a minimal effect on norepinephrine and dopamine neurotransmitters. Because SSRI antidepressants like Paroxetine selectively block serotonin reuptake, they have been found to produce less side-effects than the earlier, less selective MAO Inhibitor and Tricyclic (TCA) antidepressants.

Paxil is also prescribed for post-traumatic stress disorder--a crippling condition that sometimes develops in reaction to a disastrous or horrifying experience.

Paxil CR, the controlled-release version, is prescribed for major depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and severe premenstrual symptoms classified as premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Side Effects of Paxil (Paroxetine):

The complaint raised against Paxil says that the drug is more addictive and has a greater tendency to induce physical and physiological dependency than other anti-depressants.

• Sedation.
• Vomiting.
• Malaise.
• Hypertension.
• Sudden loss of strength.
• Temporary suspension of consciousness.
• Tachycardia.
• Pruritus (intense itching).
• Central Nervous System stimulation.
• Concentration impaired.
• Depression.
• Emotional instability.
• Vertigo.
• Tremor.
• Weight gain or loss.
• Confusion.
• Dry mouth.
• Headache.
• Cough increased.
• Rhinitis.
• Constipation.
• Dizziness.
• Sensory disturbance.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Agitation.
• Nausea.
• Sweating.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Paxil:

Withdrawal of Paxil can cause anxiety and panic attacks to come back, sometimes much worse than before and also with other frightening symptom.

• Flu-like symptoms.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Abdominal discomfort.
• Sexual side effects.
• Nervousness.
• diarrhea.
• High fever.
• Light-headedness.
• Irritability.
• Thoughts of suicide.
• Tremor.
• Feelings of tingling or numbness.
• Aggression.
• Depression.
• In-coordination.
• Myalgia.
• Excessive sweating.
• Decreased appetite.
• Sleepiness.
• Malaise.
• Fatigue.
• Lethargy.
• Vertigo.
• Dizziness.
• sleep disturbances.
• gait disturbances.
• agitation, tremulousness, crying spells, anorexia.
• confusion, memory and concentration difficulties.

For this reason, Paroxetine should be discontinued very gradually and doses should be reduced very slowly over a period of weeks or months.

Special Warnings About This Medication:

• If you have a history of manic disorders.
• Make sure your doctor is aware of it.
• If you have high pressure in the eyes (glaucoma).
• If you have a history of seizures.
• If you have a disease or condition that affects your metabolism or blood circulation.
• Paxil may impair your judgment, thinking, or motor skills.
• Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness.
• Paxil has not been studied in children and is not approved for treating anyone less than 18 years old.
• There have been reports of severe complications in newborns who were exposed to Paxil during pregnancy. Paxil appears in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant.

Should Not Be Taken With Antidepressants:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen naproxen and ketoprofen or blood-thinning drugs.
• Cimetidine (Tagamet).
• Nardil.
• Parnate.
• Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.
• Diazepam (Valium).
• Digoxin (Lanoxin).
• Thioridazine (Mellaril).
• Flecainide (Tambocor).
• Lithium (Eskalith).
• Propafenone (Rythmol).
• Propranolol (Inderal, Inderide).
• Quinidine (Quinaglute).
• Sumatriptan (Imitrex).