Paxil

Paxil - Paroxetine Hydrochloride

Paxil is the brand name of Paroxetine or paroxetine hydrochloride. It was released onto the market in 1992 by the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline and has since become one of the most prescribed antidepressants on the market. It is the second most prescribed anti-depressant in the UK. It is now the subject of a fraud case in the United States due to allegations that GlaxoSmithKline suppressed research indicating that the drug caused young people to become suicidal.

Like many similar antidepressant medication, Paxil is primarily prescribed for the treatment of anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD. It is also used to treat social anxiety disorder. Paxil is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Paxil affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression, panic or anxiety, or obsessive or compulsive symptoms. Although Paxil has proven largely successful, there are many who are against this drug.

Manufacturers of Paxil claim it is simply not possible to become addicted to Paxil, however there are many others who disagree with these claims. Although the user doesn’t feel the need for more and more of the drug, the generally accepted definition of an addition, Paxil still does leave users with withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms include paraesthesia, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, auditory hallucinations, etc. To lower the likeliness of withdrawal symptoms, it is important to not immediately stop taking Paxil but rather to lower dosages over time.

Side effects with Paxil tend to be very common. Drowsiness, sleepiness, nausea, upset stomach, dry mouth, constipation, rash, restlessness, itch, and decreased appetite are all common occurrences, More serious side effects that you should notify your doctor immediately about include jaw, neck, and back spasms, fever, chills, sore throat, flu-like symptoms, or yellowing of the eyes/neck. Other side effects that must be given consideration are the increased chances of suicidal thoughts especially in adolescents as well as the potential for sexual dysfunction and a decreased sexual drive.

An important announcement was recently made about Paxil that all should be aware of. Health officials have warned that pregnant mothers who take Paxil during pregnancy, particularly the first trimester, run the potential of possible birth defects. The most common of these birth defects involved cardiovascular problems.

Needless to say, it is important to be aware of and notify your doctor of any medical conditions or medication you are currently taking prior to taking Paxil. While under the medication, follow the prescription exactly and notify your doctor of any symptoms.