PaxilŽ (paroxetine HCl) is an agent in a newer class of
antidepressant medication known as selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors (SSRIs).
Depression and anxiety disorders might be caused by a chemical
imbalance in the brain. One of these chemicals is serotonin, which
helps send electrical signals from one nerve cell to another. In the
process, serotonin is released from one nerve cell (the sender) and
travels to the next (the receiver), where it is either absorbed or
returns back to the original sender cell.
When a person suffers from depression or anxiety disorders, there
could be a problem with the serotonin balance and its effect on
cell-to-cell communication.
Paxil blocks serotonin from being reabsorbed back into the
sender nerve cell. This process increases the amount of serotonin
available to be absorbed by the receiver cell and can help message
transmission return to normal.
Paxil may be taken once a day -- either in the
morning or the evening -- with or without food. Talk
to your doctor or pharmacist about what they think is
the best time of day for you. You might find it most
convenient to take Paxil with breakfast or dinner, but
you may take it anytime.
How long should I take
Paxil?
Depression and anxiety disorders are chronic (ongoing)
conditions and your length of therapy is based on your
needs and your doctor's recommendation. It is important
to keep taking your medication so long as your doctor
advises you to do so -- even if you are feeling better.
Can I take Paxil with
other medications?
In most cases, you can take Paxil with other medications.
However, medicines known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
or thioridazine should not be taken while you are taking Paxil.
So, be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any prescription
and over-the-counter medications that you are taking.
Does Paxil cause side
effects?
As with any prescription medication, Paxil may cause side effects,
which are usually mild to moderate and may fade or disappear completely
over time. A common side effect of Paxil is nausea, which may
be lessened by taking it with food. Other side effects may include injury,
infection, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, sleepiness, dizziness,
yawning, sweating, abnormal vision, and sexual side effects. If you should
experience any side effects, be sure to report them to your healthcare
provider as soon as possible and follow his/her advice.
What do I need to know about stopping Paxil
Don't stop taking Paxil before talking to your doctor since
symptoms may result from stopping the medication or from your original
condition. Some patients experience the following symptoms on stopping
Paxil (particularly when abrupt): dizziness, sensory disturbances
(including electric shock sensations), abnormal dreams, agitation,
anxiety, nausea and sweating.
Is Paxil addictive?
No. Paxil is not a controlled substance. Paxil belongs to a class of medications
called SSRIs, which have not been shown to be associated
with addiction.
How much Paxil will I need to take?
The amount of Paxil a patient needs varies with each
individual and the condition being treated. The usual starting dose is
10 mg to 20 mg. Your doctor can raise the dose gradually if increases
are needed. For people over the age of 65, people with kidney problems
and people with compromised liver conditions, the recommended starting
dose is 10 mg a day.
What is my role in treatment?
Communicate: Your doctor must rely on you to communicate
any symptoms or side effects you experience. At first, it might be
difficult to talk about your symptoms, but it's the only way your
doctor can decide on the most helpful treatment.
Stick with it: Don't get discouraged if your symptoms don't improve right away. It could be several weeks before you start to feel better.
Follow through on your treatment: It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions about your treatment. Do not discontinue taking Paxil unless your doctor says it's all right. Even if you might be feeling better, you may need to continue taking Paxil to avoid having your symptoms return.
Is Paxil right for me?
Paxil is a safe and effective medication that has
successfully helped people treat their depression and anxiety
disorders. In fact, it is one of the most popular treatments currently
available for depression and anxiety disorders. Remember, only your doctor can determine if Paxil is right for you.
Paxil Home
