Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Paxil

Paxil: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Paxil?

Paxil, also known as Paloxitine, is an antidepressant drug that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) group. Taking Paroxetine affects certain chemicals in the brain that can be out of balance in people who are depressed, anxious, or suffering from other disorders.

This medication is for treating people who suffer from depression and other mental issues. It’s known to improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level and may help restore your interest in daily living.

What are the uses of Paxil?

As we mentioned above, Paxil is mainly prescribed to people suffering from mental illnesses. Its uses include – but aren’t limited to – treatment of:

  • Depressions, mild as well as major depressive disorder (MDD). 
  • Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorders (GAD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), etc.
  • Symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, flushes, etc.
  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
  • Symptoms of fibromyalgia. However, it doesn’t help much with the pain involved.

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    What are the side effects of Paxil?

    Like any other medication available in the market, Paxil might have some side effects, which include:

    • Vision changes.
    • Headache, slurred speech, extreme weakness, loss of coordination, unsteadiness.
    • Problems in sleeping or insomnia.
    • Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation.
    • High fever, sore throat, or burning eyes.
    • Unusual pain, tenderness, swelling, or bruising.
    • Bleeding from the nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum.
    • Decreased sex drive, impotence, or abnormal ejaculation.

    You might have other side effects that are not mentioned in this list. If that happens, contact your doctor for consultation.

    What is Paxil

    Uses of Paxil

    Side effects of Paxil

    References

    1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC181155/
    2. https://www.drugs.com/cg/acute-headache.html
    3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15096081/

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Paxil

    Since Paxil is an antidepressant, it will help elevate your mood and make you feel better. In addition, it will improve your sleeping pattern and lessen your anxiety and sadness. However, remember that it takes a few weeks for the medication to take effect.

    Paxil might slightly lower your blood pressure, but it is generally not significant. However, consult your medical practitioner for precaution if you suffer from low blood pressure symptoms, like dizziness or fainting when rising from a sitting or lying position.

    The duration of your dose depends on the level of your illness. If you have been taking Paroxetine for a long time, your doctor may recommend gradually reducing the amount over several weeks. They may suggest coming off Paroxetine if you've been feeling better for six months or more.

    Paxil increases the brain's levels of serotonin, which reduces depression. Serotonin is a chemical messenger that relays signals between nerve cells (neurons).

    By blocking serotonin reabsorption, Paxil balances serotonin levels and enhances mood. As a result, more serotonin is available for better transmission of messages between neurons.

    Paroxetine is not going to make you euphorically happy or change your personality. However, the medication will help you feel like your old self again. However, don't expect your symptoms to improve overnight. At the beginning of treatment, some patients feel worse before they start to get better.

    Although Paxil uplifts the consumer's mood, it is not a narcotic. Instead, it is an antidepressant that belongs to the drug category of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The primary purpose of a narcotic drug is to lessen pain, whereas Paroxetine is used to treat mental illnesses.

    The term controlled substance refers to a drug or chemical with its production, possession, or use regulated by law, and drugs that are illegally obtained, or prescription medications designated by law. Under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), Paxil is not considered to be a controlled substance.

    Paxil is an SSRI used for the treatment of mental health issues like depression and anxiety. However, it’s normal to have nervousness and sleeping difficulty during the first few weeks of consumption. In case you notice worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, contact your doctor immediately.

    Antidepressant medications -- including SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) like Lexapro, Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft-- can cause weight gain as a side effect. Amongst the mentioned drugs, Paxil can cause weight gain, regardless of whether it is used long or short-term.

    According to a study, Paroxetine and sertraline are equally effective for treating panic disorder, but sertraline is much better tolerated and causes less clinical worsening when tapered.