Paxil medication (or the generic form paroxetine) is aselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor(SSRI) antidepressant. Paxil is FDA-approved for depression and other mental health conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), PTSD, panic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Off-label, Paxil is used to treat OCD and social anxiety in children, AND postpartum depression.Read on to learn all there is to know about this antidepressant — from what Paxil is used for, to how it works, to side effects you should be aware of, we’re covering it all here.
Paxil medication (or the generic form paroxetine) is aselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor(SSRI) antidepressant. Paxil is FDA-approved for depression and other mental health conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), PTSD, panic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Off-label, Paxil is used to treat OCD and social anxiety in children, AND postpartum depression.
Read on to learn all there is to know about this antidepressant — from what Paxil is used for, to how it works, to side effects you should be aware of, we’re covering it all here.
What is Paxil?
Paxil is atype of antidepressant medicationin the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which alter serotonin levels in the brain to regulate mood.
Paxil prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Paxil from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.Get started
Paxil prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Paxil from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.
Paxil prescription online
Get an evaluation and prescription for Paxil from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.
How does Paxil work?
Paxil medication blocks chemicals in the brain that can produce symptoms of depression and anxiety. It was found instudiesto be more effective than some other SSRIs in treating depression, and in moreresearch, over 40% of the people who used Paxil saw their symptoms of depression completely eliminated.
How does Paxil make you feel?
Like any medication, there are mild to severe side effects you should be aware of if you’re taking Paxil. A common side effect is gastrointestinal issues likenausea. The same research also notes that most people can tolerate Paxil reasonably well.
When Paxil works as expected, you’ll experience less anxiety and depression over time. You might find that you’re sleeping better, your appetite is healthier, and your energy and interest in daily life return. Paxil can reduce or eliminate fear, panic attacks, and unwanted thoughts.
Paxil Uses
Paxil is FDA-approved to treat:
Paxil for depression
Paxil for anxiety
Paxil is an antidepressant medication thatstudies showcan successfully treatgeneralized anxiety disorder(GAD). Using Paxil for anxiety can relieve restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.
Paxil for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
According toresearch, Paxil forOCDcan be an effective form of treatment and reduce the chance of obsessive and compulsive impulses returning. SSRIs are the first-line medication for OCD, as they can boost serotonin levels, which are typically low in people with this condition.
Paxil for panic disorder
Researchfound that Paxil is generally well-tolerated and effective in helping to reduce symptoms associated with panic disorder, like fear and avoidance.
Paxil for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Paxil has been demonstrated effective in diminishing the manifestations ofPTSD, including intrusive musings, flashbacks, bad dreams, and evasive practices.Studies suggestthat Paxil can result in a significant reduction of PTSD symptoms.
Paxil for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Paxilreducessymptoms linked toPMDD— like irritability — during the acute phase of treatment. In rare cases, serious reactions, including changes in behavior or mood swings, can occur.
Off-label uses
Off-label uses for Paxil include treating symptoms of:
Further research is necessary to determine the efficacy of Paxil uses in treating chronic pain and fibromyalgia.
Pros & Cons of PaxilPros of PaxilCons of PaxilIncreased effectivenessPotential withdrawal symptoms when stopped abruptlyEasier dosing scheduleCould interact negatively with certain foodsLower incidence of adverse effectsNot considered highly addictive, but some people do become dependent (especially if taking higher doses over more extended periods)Can be more effective than other antidepressantsRisk of interaction with other drugs
Pros & Cons of Paxil
Pros of PaxilCons of PaxilIncreased effectivenessPotential withdrawal symptoms when stopped abruptlyEasier dosing scheduleCould interact negatively with certain foodsLower incidence of adverse effectsNot considered highly addictive, but some people do become dependent (especially if taking higher doses over more extended periods)Can be more effective than other antidepressantsRisk of interaction with other drugs
Side Effects of PaxilPaxil can cause a range of minor to severe adverse reactions. Anyone taking Paxil should be aware of the potential risks associated with the drug.“Paxil is effective for many people. However, it can take 4 to 6 weeks to build up in your system. It could cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.”–Talkspace Therapist Dr. Olga Molina, D.S.W., LCSWIf you’re thinking about taking this medication, be aware of the following common side effects of Paxil:NauseaWeaknessDrowsinessWeaknessSexual dysfunctionRisk of bleedingWeight gain from PaxilThere are some more serious side effects, too. For example, Paxil has a risk of causing serotonin syndrome, which results in a potentially life-threatening build-up of excess serotonin in the body.If you don’t taper off Paxil slowly, you can experience antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, which causes unpleasantPaxil withdrawalsymptoms.
Side Effects of Paxil
Paxil can cause a range of minor to severe adverse reactions. Anyone taking Paxil should be aware of the potential risks associated with the drug.
“Paxil is effective for many people. However, it can take 4 to 6 weeks to build up in your system. It could cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.”
If you’re thinking about taking this medication, be aware of the following common side effects of Paxil:
There are some more serious side effects, too. For example, Paxil has a risk of causing serotonin syndrome, which results in a potentially life-threatening build-up of excess serotonin in the body.
If you don’t taper off Paxil slowly, you can experience antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, which causes unpleasantPaxil withdrawalsymptoms.
Paxil Dosage
How to take Paxil
Take Paxil exactly as directed. Do not change your recommended dosage without talking to your doctor first.
Do not chew, crush, or break Paxil tablets. Instead, swallow them whole with water or another liquid.
If you’re taking liquid Paxil, use the dosing instrument provided. Never measure liquid Paxil with a kitchen teaspoon — it will not be accurate.
“In addition to taking Paxil, getting enough sleep, exercising, and avoiding alcohol, illicit drugs, and caffeine can help reduce anxiety. Joining a support group can help you connect with people who share your experiences so you can realize you are not alone.”
Additional ConsiderationsIf you’re thinking about or have started taking Paxil, there are several considerations to remember. Interactions with other medications can occur when taking this drug. It’s important to tell your doctor about all other medications you’re currently taking, including any over-the-counter drugs and supplements. To ensure Paxil is suitable and avoid potential interactions, your doctor needs to know everything you take.Inform your doctor if you’ve had any of the following before taking Paxil:Bleeding or blood clotting disorderHeart diseaseStrokeHigh blood pressureEpilepsyLow sodium levelsBipolar disorderInteractionsYou shouldn’t drink while on Paxil unless you know how it will affect you. Ask your doctor about taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):Advil or MotrinAspirinDiclofenacCelebrexAleveIndomethacinWarningsDo not take Paxil if you take thioridazine or pimozide. Also, do not take Paxil if you’ve taken an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 14 days or if you plan to take one in the next 14 days.There is an increased risk of suicidal thoughts when taking antidepressants, especially in young people.
Additional Considerations
If you’re thinking about or have started taking Paxil, there are several considerations to remember. Interactions with other medications can occur when taking this drug. It’s important to tell your doctor about all other medications you’re currently taking, including any over-the-counter drugs and supplements. To ensure Paxil is suitable and avoid potential interactions, your doctor needs to know everything you take.
Inform your doctor if you’ve had any of the following before taking Paxil:
Interactions
You shouldn’t drink while on Paxil unless you know how it will affect you. Ask your doctor about taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):
Warnings
Do not take Paxil if you take thioridazine or pimozide. Also, do not take Paxil if you’ve taken an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 14 days or if you plan to take one in the next 14 days.
There is an increased risk of suicidal thoughts when taking antidepressants, especially in young people.
Paxil Alternatives
Depending on your condition and symptoms, there may be alternatives to Paxil that could potentially provide relief. Some drugs you might consider instead of Paxil are:
Online Paxil Prescription Through Talkspace Psychiatry
Talkspace Psychiatry offers anonline Paxilprescription for those prescribed it. Talkspace is an online therapy platform that gives you access to psychiatrists who can assess your mental health and prescribe the correct medication — including Paxil — if necessary.
Sources:
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