Paxil is classed as an SSRI or selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor. It helps maintain a healthy balance of a brain chemical
known as serotonin. Serotonin imbalances are believed to be the main
cause of many mood disorders. Paxil has been used as an antidepressant
for ten years and has a good record of effectively treating most people
with depression.
For anxiety disorders, Paxil is the most often
prescribed medication. Eighty six percent of people suffering from
Panic Disorder report that they are without symptoms with just twelve
weeks of Paxil treatment. Paxil can also greatly reduce the symptoms of
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. The FDA has just recently approved
Paxil, as a treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder so not much is
known about how effective it is at treating this disorder, but
preliminary tests show that it can dramatically improve the condition.
Paxil should be taken in treatments longer than four weeks. It should
be taken with a full glass of water at approximately the same time
everyday. Generally doses are given in smaller amounts when beginning
treatment and then increased.
Side effects of Paxil include: nausea, decreased appetite, dry mouth,
dizziness, sweating, insomnia and tremors. Trytophan supplements should
not be taken with Paxil, because it can cause headaches, sweating and
nausea. Overdose symptoms of Paxil are nausea, vomiting, enlarged
pupils, seizures, agitation, tremor, hyperactivity, and drowsiness. If
you experience any of these seek medical help. Paxil should also not be
taken with MAOI’s. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant
or nursing, as well as people with glaucoma, unstable heart disease,
epilepsy, or renal impairment should not take Paxil. If you decide to
stop treatment with Paxil, doses should be slowly decreased to avoid
withdrawal symptoms. Paxil also should not be given to anyone under the
age of 18 because it can increase thoughts of suicide.