Paxil Treats Mood Problems By Restoring The Blanca Of Serotonin In The Brain

Paxil General Information

Generic Name: Paroxetine

Brand Name: Pexeva, Paxil, Paxil CR

The drug-group called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, SSRI, includes an antidepressant called Paxil. The drug is used to restore the balance of a chemical in the brain called the serotonin to bring about improvements in the mood problems.

Paxil Uses

Paxil is primarily used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

How Take Paxil

Similar timings should be maintained for taking Paxil everyday. The capsule should be swallowed as a whole and the outer coating should not be crushed or opened as this is meant for a slow release of the medicine inside the body. The liquid form of the drug should be shaken well before use. A marked measuring spoon or a medicine cup is to be used to measure the liquid for an appropriate dosage. Improvement of the symptoms might begin to get noticed after four weeks of use. Doctor’s permission need to be taken before stopping the medicine as it involves withdrawal symptoms like dizziness, ringing in the ears, changes in behavior, agitation and confusion.

Paxil Warnings

Paxil is not to be used with other medicines like pimozide, thioridazine and MAO inhibitors like Marplan, Azilect, Parnate, Emsam and Nardil as serious and even fatal reactions might be the result. After using MAO inhibitors, one should allow a period of 14 days before staring the use of Paxil. The doctor should also be informed well about the patient’s medical history before using the drug. A doctor must know whether his patient has suffered from diseases of the kidney or liver, bleeding or a blood-clotting disorder, epilepsy and a bipolar disorder. This medicine might also not be considered as suitable for patients with a history of drug abuse or suicidal tendencies. Paxil should also not be taken with sleeping oils, narcotic pain medicines and muscle relaxers as this might lead to sleepiness.

Paxil Missed Dose

Intake of additional amount of the medicine is strongly discouraged. So in case a dose is missed, extra medicine should not be taken. When it is almost time for the next dose, then the missed dose should be skipped and the scheduled dose should be taken in the appropriate time.

Paxil Side Effects

One should seek doctor’s advice immediately if he finds that conditions have worsened or new symptoms have developed. Mood changes, irritability, trouble sleeping, mania, anxiety, panic attacks, restlessness, aggressiveness and thoughts of suicide should be immediately reported to the doctor. Patients might suffer from bleeding, overactive reflexes, sweating, fever, stiffening of muscles, shakings and uneven heartbeats. Loss of memory and appetite, vomiting, hallucinations and shallow breathing have also been observe din certain patients. A feeling of nervousness, dizziness, constipation, weight changes and impotence cam also result from the use of the drug.

Paxil Storage

The medicine is to be stored at room temperature and away from heat and moisture.

Paxil Overdose

A case of an overdose should be brought to the notice of the medical practitioner. A Paxil overdose might lead to nausea, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, tremor, sweating, vomiting, decreased urination, confusion, aggression, seizures, and coma.

Paxil More Information

Paxil should not be taken with other medicines used to treat pain, arthritis, swelling and fever. Aspirin and NSAIDs like naproxen, piroxicam, etodolac, diclofenac are not compatible with Paxil as the combination leads to an easy bruising and bleeding. Like other antidepressants, this drug also causes suicide thoughts development in users below 24 years of age. Regular changes in the user’s behavior need to be monitored by the family members or the caregivers and the same should be reported to the doctor. Regular visits to the doctor are needed during the first 12 weeks of treatment.