Article by Soleranz

Paxil : An Introduction

Paxil is used for treating depression, post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorder, pre menstrual dysphoric disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Paxil (paroxetine) works by acting on the nerve cells situated in brain. Human brain contains innumerable chemical compounds called as neurotransmitters, which act as messengers between nerve cells. When serotonin, one of these neurotransmitters, is released from the nerve cells, it lightens the mood. When serotonin gets reabsorbed by the nerve cells, it no longer shows any effect on the mood. Decreased serotonin release from the nerve cells triggers depression. Paxil works by inhibiting serotonin re-absorption into the nerve cells and prolongs the lightened mood caused due to serotonin release. Usually it takes 2 – 4 weeks for Paxil to give the desired results. Hence it’s recommended that you keep taking the medication even though you feel that you are not getting any benefits in the beginning.

How to Take Paxil

Take Paxil exactly as recommended by your psychiatrist. Follow the guidelines on the product label or the ones given by your doctor. Do not alter the dose and do not take for duration longer or shorter than prescribed. Your doctor may suggest changes in the dose depending upon your response to the medicine. Paxil can be taken with or without food; however you should take it exactly at the same time every day. Do not crush, break or chew the tablet. You should swallow the whole tablet since breaking the tablet may cause most of the contents to be released at once. If you are taking liquid, shake well before you measure the dose on a measuring spoon. Do not use a regular tablespoon to measure the dose. Inform your health care provider if the symptoms don’t alleviate within 4 weeks of taking medication. Do not stop taking Paxil all of a sudden without informing your psychiatrist. You may have withdrawal symptoms such as behavior changes, confusion, ringing in ears, tingling, dizziness or agitation after you stop taking the medicine.

Paxil Side Effects

Every medicine has some side effects. Likewise, Paxil also shows some side effects. The common side effects of Paxil are as follows:

Weight changesInsomniaDrowsiness, mild headache or dizzinessYawningDryness in mouthRestless feeling and nervousness

Rarely, serious side effects are observed. Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:

High fever and stiff musclesOver-reactive reflexes or fainting

The lists furnished above are not complete. You should consult your doctor for the complete list of side effects.

Paxil Notes and Precautions

You should read the following precautions to be taken and the notes before you start taking Paxil.

Consult the doctor before taking Paxil. Inform the doctor about any other medicines you may be taking whilst using Paxil. Also let your doctor know if you have any medical history. Paxil may affect your capacity to operate heavy machinery or drive. Avoid doing these activities after taking Paxil, until you know how deeply this medication is affecting you.Paxil consumption may be stopped gradually over a period of a couple weeks or a month, depending upon your doctor’s suggestion. Never stop taking the medicine at once, as this may trigger withdrawal symptoms.If you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy, or are breast feeding, inform your psychiatrist before taking Paxil. Seek medical advice, especially in the 1st and 3rd trimester of pregnancy. If you feel any allergic reaction to the medication such as swelling of lips, throat, tongue or face and difficulty breathing, inform your health care provider immediately or seek medical attention.Do not drink alcohol whilst you are taking Paxil as it may increase the risks for side effects of the medication.Keep this medication away from the reach of children and pets.

About the Author

You can buy Paxil from a local drugstore or from an online pharmacy. Regardless of how you buy Paxil, it’s recommended that you do so only after getting a valid prescription from the doctor. Buying Paxil online from a reputed online pharmacy is much cheaper and more convenient than buying it from the local pharmacy.

Tagged with: cure • depression • Faster • Paxil

Filed under: Depression during Pregnancy Medication

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