Why is Paroxetine hydrochloride prescribed?

Paxil relieves a variety of emotional problems. It can be prescribed for serious, continuing depression that interferes with your ability to function. Symptoms of this type of depression often include changes in appetite and sleep patterns, a persistent low mood, loss of interest in people and activities, decreased sex drive, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, suicidal thoughts, difficulty concentrating, and slowed thinking.

Paxil is also used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a disease marked by unwanted, but stubbornly persistent thoughts, or unreasonable rituals you feel compelled to repeat.

In addition, Paxil is prescribed for panic disorder, a crippling emotional problem characterized by sudden attacks of at least four of the following symptoms: palpitations, sweating, shaking, numbness, chills or hot flashes, shortness of breath, a feeling of choking, chest pain, nausea or abdominal distress, dizziness or faintness, feelings of unreality or detachment, fear of losing control, or fear of dying.

Paxil can be prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder, a disease marked by excessive anxiety and worry that persists for at least 6 months and can't be easily controlled. True cases of generalized anxiety disorder are accompanied by at least three of the following symptoms: restlessness or a keyed-up or on-edge feeling, a tendency to tire easily, difficulty concentrating or spells when the mind goes blank, irritability, muscle tension, or sleep disturbance.

Paxil can be used in the treatment of social anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia), a condition marked by shyness or stage fright so intense that it interferes with an individual's work and social life.

Paxil is also prescribed for post-traumatic stress disorder--a crippling condition that sometimes develops in reaction to a disastrous or horrifying experience. Symptoms, which stubbornly refuse to abate, include unwanted memories and dreams, intense distress when confronted with reminders of the event, a general numbing of interest and enjoyment, jumpiness, irritability, poor sleep, and loss of concentration.

Paxil CR, the controlled-release version, is prescribed for major depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and severe premenstrual symptoms classified as premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Paxil belongs to the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers believed to govern moods. Ordinarily, it is quickly reabsorbed after its release at the junctures between nerves. Reuptake inhibitors such as Paxil slow this process, thereby boosting the levels of serotonin available in the brain.

What side effects may I notice from taking Paroxetine?

Special warnings about Paxil

In clinical studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of Paxil or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. Paxil has not been studied in children or adolescents and is not approved for treating anyone less than 18 years old.

Additionally, the progression of major depression is associated with a worsening of symptoms and/or the emergence of suicidal thinking or behavior in both adults and children, whether or not they are taking antidepressants. Individuals being treated with Paxil and their caregivers should watch for any change in symptoms or any new symptoms that appear suddenly--especially agitation, extreme hyperactivity, restlessness, panic, hostility, anxiety, and suicidal thinking or behavior--and report them to the doctor immediately. Be especially observant at the beginning of treatment or whenever there is a change in dose.

Paxil should be used cautiously by people with a history of manic disorders and those with high pressure in the eyes (glaucoma).

If you have a history of seizures, make sure your doctor knows about it. Paxil should be used with caution in this situation. If you develop seizures once therapy has begun, the drug should be discontinued.

If you have a disease or condition that affects your metabolism or blood circulation, make sure your doctor is aware of it. Paxil should be used cautiously in this situation.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• Small amounts of Paroxetine (Paxil) pass into breast milk, however the effect of this on the nursing infant is unknown. As a result, this medicine should only be used during breastfeeding if the expected benefits to the mother outweigh any risks to the nursing infant. Women who need to take this medicine could consider not breastfeeding. It is important to seek medical advice from your doctor.
  
  
• The safety of this medicine in pregnancy has not been established. It should be used with caution during pregnancy and only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any potential risks to the foetus. This is particularly important in the first and third trimesters where the medicine could have harmful effects on the baby. Symptoms that resemble side effects or withdrawal symptoms of Paroxetine (Paxil) have been seen in new-born babies whose mothers took Paroxetine in the third trimester. Seek medical advice from your doctor if you get pregnant or plan to have a baby while taking this medicine. If you get pregnant and decide to stop taking Paroxetine (Paxil) you should not do so suddenly - see the warning above about withdrawal symptoms.
  
  

How to use Paroxetine (Paxil) :

Use Paroxetine (Paxil) as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• If you miss a dose of Paroxetine (Paxil) and you are taking it in the morning, take it during the afternoon if you remember. If you do not remember until the next morning, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose and you are taking one dose daily at bedtime and do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. If you miss more than one dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
• Symptoms usually improve within 1 to 4 weeks. Continue taking your medicine even though you feel better.
• Paroxetine (Paxil) is usually taken in the morning.
• Paroxetine (Paxil) may be taken on an empty stomach or with food.
• Paroxetine (Paxil) comes with an additional patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully and reread it each time you get Paroxetine refilled.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Paroxetine (Paxil) .