About Paxil

A prescription drug, Paxil belongs to the group known as SSRIs - selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Uses or Indications

Paxil is meant to treat various dysfunctions that impact social interactions. Generally the drug is prescribed for people suffering from general anxiety disorders, general and panic depression, DOC or obsessive-compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders and social phobia.

The medication treats such symptoms of common depression as insomnia, disinterest in life, suicidal impulses, changes in appetite, reduced sex drive, confused or slowed thinking and others. Paxil can be also helpful for patients affected by OCD - obsessive-compulsive disorder, characterized by routines against social standards and persistent thoughts to disturbing acts. Besides, Paxil addresses such panic disorder symptoms as dizziness, faintness, palpitations, sweating, hot flashes, chills, shortness of breath, chest pain, shaking, fear etc.

How Paxil is taken?

Usually doctors recommend to take Paxil once a day, in the morning and on an empty stomach. The drug is available as an oral suspension liquid and should be shaken before using. Take capsule form Paxil CR in whole with water, without chewing or crushing it. It will take 1-4 weeks for depressions symptoms to fade, however, you should keep on using Paxil until the doctor tells otherwise.

Possible Side Effects

Among Paxil Side Effects doctors mention reduced sex drive and appetite, sexual impotence, genital disorders, abnormal ejaculation and orgasm, constipation, dizziness, nervousness, diarrhea, flatulence, palpitations, unusual perspiration, general body weakness, insomnia, dry mouth and nausea.

Once you detected one of these symptoms in any level of intensity, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Drug Precautions

• Lab tests showed that Paxil is likely to appear in breast milk and affect the infant. Mothers are commonly advised not to breastfeed when they are under Paxil medication. Consult your doctor in case you are pregnant, as Paxil may lead to serious complications during the last 3 months of pregnancy.
• Inform your doctor beforehand, if you have a history of manic disorders and seizure.
• In case you are under blood-thinning or NSAID medication, you should consult with your doctor before taking Paxil.
• Avoid any activity that requires complete mental focus, as Paxil impairs motor skills.

Drug Interaction

Never combine Paxil with thioridazine and MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors drugs, like tranylcypromine anti-depressant or phenelzine: this can lead to the fatal reaction. Leave at least 2 weeks between taking Paxil and one of the mentioned drugs. In case you are taking any over-the-counter or prescriptive medication, check with your doctor.

Missed Dose

Forget the missed dose of Paxil and resume regular intake. You should never double the dosage to make up for the missed one.

Overdose

Any drug taken in excess can have severe medical impact on the body. Should you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of overdosing Paxil include dizziness, vomiting, nausea, drowsiness and even coma.

Storage

Paxil tablets and suspension liquid can be stored at room temperature.