Generic Paxil, Paroxetine

Paroxetine is pused in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Paroxetine is known as an antidepressant called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Paroxetine increases the amount of circulating serotonin available in your brain, Serotonin works to stimulate other neurons in the brain that stimulates mood and physical symptoms in depression. Paroxetine works by potentiating the activity of serotonin in the brain which it achieves by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin.Altering the balance of the chemicals in the brain can help with the symptoms of depression, anxiety disorders, and OCD.

Patients who take Paroxetine may suffer from such side effects;

Headache,
Reduction in appetite,
Alterations in sense of taste,
Lower than normal libido or impotence,
Nausea,
Diarrhoea,
Insomnia,
Fatigue

Paxil is a psychotropic drug. Specifically, it is an antidepressant under the group of SSRIs or serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It gently works by affecting the chemicals present in the brain. This drug was originally released in the year 1992 by GlaxoSmithKline. The generic name of this medication is paroxetine. Other popular trade names are XET and Pezep.

Paroxetine hydrochloride is the major component of Paroxetine Pill which is use to treat people with depression. This drug in pill form has inactive ingredients like sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate, coloring and titanium oxide. On the other hand, the suspension form includes citric anhydrous, artificial orange flavor, sorbitol, polacrilin potassium and glycerin.

The drug is primarily used for major depressive disorder. It can also be used for OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder, panic manic disorder, GAD or general anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder or PTSD.

Recommended dosage greatly depends on the nature of the disease condition. For OCD or obsessive-compulsive disorder, the starting dose is 20 mg once a day to be taken on a full or empty stomach. This can be gradually increased to a maximum dose of 60 mg a day. For social anxiety disorder, 20 mg Paxil is to be given once a day usually in the morning. This can be taken with or without food. For panic disorder, the starting dose is 10 mg a day and then gradually increased by 10 mg with a one-week interval.

This drug is not recommended for patients who have a hypersensitivity reaction to any of the component of paroxetine. If the patient is taking MAOIs or monoamine oxidase inhibitor then usage of Paxil is contraindicated.

It is important to closely monitor patients taking Paroxetine for any signs of suicidal ideation as many patients who take this drug have increased suicidal thoughts. It is also important to differentiate the symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder as this two may have similar signs and symptoms that are sometimes confusing to health care providers. Precautionary measures should also be taken for those patient who are taking Mellaril. Taking this drug and Paxil at the same time can cause QT prolongation or irregular heart rhythm. Be cautious when taking this drug if you have a seizure disorder as this may take increase the seizure activity. Be watchful also of Paxil withdrawal symptoms. Typical withdrawal symptoms of this are a headache, lethargy, anxiety, irritability, confusion, lightheadedness, and easy fatigability.

The commonly reported side effects of this drug are headache, excessive sweating or diaphoresis, muscle pain, joint pain, dyspepsia, nausea with or without vomiting, insomnia, tremor, blurry vision, frequently yawning, confusion, rashes, drying of the mouth, decreased libido, tenderness or swelling of the bones and joints, easy bruising, muscle rigidity, loss of coordination, irregular beating of the heart, and coughing out of blood.

Store the medication is a room temperature preferably 25 degrees Celsius. Keep the medicine away from heat and light. Discard the medication properly if it reached its maximum shelf life. Put the drug in a safe place and out of children's reach.