PAXIL - Paroxetine

Paxil Used For

PAXIL is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorders which include mental depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Directions for Paxil

The recommended initial dose of Paxil is 25 mg/day. Patients not responding to a 25-mg dose may benefit from dose increases, in 12.5-mg/day increments, up to a maximum of 62.5 mg/day. Dose changes should occur at intervals of at least 1 week.

How Paxil medication works

Paxil should not be chewed or crushed, and should be swallowed whole. Paroxetine may lead to agitation, irritable or abnormal behaviors in some patients and might also lead some people to have suicidal thoughts or tendencies and become more depressed. Paroxetine should not be administered to patients who were on a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (furazolidone, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during the past 2 weeks. Similarly, an MAO inhibitor should not be started within 2 weeks of stopping Paxil.

Paxil side effects

Paxil may cause varying side effects in several patients including any of the following: Acid or sour stomach, belching, decreased appetite, decreased sexual ability or desire, excess air or gas in stomach or intestines, heartburn, nervousness, pain or tenderness around eyes and cheekbones, passing gas, problems in urinating, runny or stuffy nose, sexual problems, especially ejaculatory disturbances, sleepiness or unusual drowsiness, stomach discomfort, upset, or pain, sweating, trauma, trembling or shaking and trouble in sleeping. It might also cause suicidal tendencies in certain patients.

Other Paxil Information

Paxil may be split and taken at half the dose but only after medical advice. At the same time, the tablet should never be chewed or crushed and should be swallowed whole with a full glass of water. The body may need time to adjust once the medication is stopped and it is advisable to periodically check with a doctor regarding any ill effects felt due to stopping the medicine.