Meet Paxil, the unstoppable star of GlaxoSmithKline. Since its birth in 1992, Paxil, the antidepressant has gradually overtaken its rich cousins from the houses of Eli Lilly and Pfizer to become the talk of Wall Street analysts. Paxil can dramatically bring a prospective cheer to your depressive and gloomy existence.
Paxil – An Overview:
Paxil (paroxetine) belongs to the group of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs that have revolutionized mental health care through the last decade. Paxil and Paxil CR are the brand names of paroxetine in the United Sates. Paxil is meant for patients with depression and certain other anxiety disorders. Paxil is also the first drug approved by the FDA for social phobia too.
Paxil Mechanism:
Paxil is a powerful and selective serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), whose action on the brain neurons is responsible for the antidepressant effects. Depression is caused by a lack of norepinephrine, a chemical important to brain function. Paxil can manipulate the serotonin levels that would indirectly raise norepinephrine level and help in reducing the depressive effects of the patient.
Paxil Precautions:
Paxil is not meant for children, pregnant and breast feeding women and older adults. The presence of certain medical conditions in a patient may also hinder the effectiveness of the Paxil, giving rise to other complications instead. It is recommended to meet a doctor if you have the following medical conditions:
- Brain damage
- Seizure and epilepsy
- Heart diseases
- Brain diseases
- Heart diseases
- Liver problems
- Kidney diseases
- History of heart attack
- Mania
- Bipolar disorder
- Glaucoma
The effect of Paxil may be reduced when it is taken along with other medicines. It might even result in catastrophic situations, due to contraindications of Paxil with the drug. You would need an expert advice if you were taking the following medicines:
- Aspirin
- St. John’s Wort
- NSAIDs
- Buspirone
- Cough medicines
- Atomoxetine
- Lithium
- Street drugs
- SSRIs
- MAO inhibitors
- Pimozide
- Warfarin
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Pentazocine
Paxil Dosage:
Paxil is available in tablet, capsule and oral suspension forms. Generally the Paxil tablets come in 10 mg, 20 mg and 30 mg doses. The dosage of Paxil would differ according to the age, medical conditions and other factors. The standard dosages of Paxil maintained by taking the age of the patient into account are:
- 20 mg once a day in the morning for adults below 60
- 10 mg once a day in the morning for adults above 60
- 50 mg is the maximum recommended dose
- Paxil shouldn’t be taken for more than 4 weeks
- The dosage for children can only be decided by a physician
Paxil Storage:
- Paxil should be kept away from the reach of children
- Paxil should be kept away from heat and light
- Paxil in tablet form shouldn’t be kept in the bathroom or kitchen
- Paxil in suspension form shouldn’t be allowed to freeze
- Paxil that have passed the expiry date should be discarded
Paxil Side Effects:
Paxil may result in some side effects along with the positive effects that take care of depression. Some of the commonly occurring side effects of Paxil are:
- Tremor
- Retarded ejaculation
- Somnolence
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Asthenia
The less common side effects of Paxil are:
- Confusion
- Chest pain
- Agitation
- Rash
- Muscle ache
- Fainting
- Breathing problems
The rare side effects of Paxil are:
- Slurred speech
- Low blood sodium
- Poor coordination
- Red or purple skin patches
- Shivering
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Dilated pupil
- Drowsiness
- Excitement and anxiety
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