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Antidepressants – Paxil

Paxil or Paroxetine is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). Marketing of this anti-depressant began in 1992 by SmithKline Beecham, now GlaxoSmithKline. Paroxetine was the first anti-depressant to be approved by the FDA to be used in treating panic attacks.

Classification:

Paxil (Paroxetine) also under trade names Aropax, Seroxat and Sereupin is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor anti-depressant. Paroxetine is available through prescription only and is a regulated drug. It is unscheduled and not illegal to possess without a prescription.

Uses:

Paroxetine is used to treat:

  • Clinical Depression
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Panic Disorder
  • Social Anxiety
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Effects:

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) affect the brain by preventing serotonin from being reabsorbed back into nerve cells. This helps prolong the mood lightening effect of any released serotonin.

Side Effects

Sexual dysfunction is one of the most common reasons people discontinue treatment with Paxil. Sexual side effects usually resolve after discontinuation of the drug, although cases of ‘Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction’ are being reported more frequently. If a person wants to stop taking Paxil because of sexual side effects, they should discuss other antidepressants with a doctor. Some antidepressant drugs, such as Bupropion (Wellbutrin), are much less likely to cause sexual side effects. Sexual side effects of Paxil affect both sexes.

Other side effects may include:

  • Anxiety
  • Blurred Vision
  • Weight Gain
  • Constipation/Diarrhea/Gas
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness/Yawning
  • Dry Mouth
  • Increased Sweating/Urination
  • Loss of appetite/nausea/upset stomach
  • Nervousness
  • Numbness or tingling of skin
  • Trouble concentrating/sleeping
  • Weakness

[ADUNIT]Severe side effect in which you should contact your doctor include:
bizarre behavior; black or bloody stools; chest pain; confusion; decreased concentration; decreased coordination; exaggerated reflexes; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; memory loss; new or worsening agitation, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, restlessness, or inability to sit still; persistent or severe ringing in the ears; persistent, painful erection; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent anxiety or trouble sleeping; severe or persistent headache or dizziness; significant weight loss; stomach pain; suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor; unusual bone pain or unexplained swelling, tenderness, or bruising; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or severe mental or mood changes; unusual weakness; vision changes; worsening of depression

Similar Drugs:

Other Selective Serotonin Inhibitors such as:

  • Citalopram (Celexa)
  • Escitalopram (Lexapro, Cipralex, Seroplex, Esertia)
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Fluvoxamine (Luvox )

Addiction Information:

While not addicting Paroxetine has the most severe withdrawal symptoms compared to other SSRI’s from abrupt discontinuation of prescribed regimen. These symptoms may include:

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness/Vertigo
  • Insomnia
  • Nightmares/Vivid Dreams
  • Feelings of electricity in body
  • Crying
  • Anxiety

Withdrawal

Withdrawal Symptoms Include:

  • Electric shock sensations in the neck and head
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Dizziness
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Suicidal thoughts

Paxil has recently been associated with birth defects. If you are pregnant or may become pregnant, talk to your doctor about switching to another SSRI. Withdrawal symptoms can be minimized by tapering off of Paxil gradually under a doctor’s direction.It is very important to talk to your doctor if you want to stop taking Paxil.

Overdose Information:

Overdose symptoms include:

  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy
  • Lack of coordination
  • Increased Heart rate
  • Seizures
  • Lethal dosage is measured around 1-4mg in blood levels.

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