How
Paxil Works
Role
of Paxil
Paxil is known as a selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitor
(SSRI). It functions by maintaining
an appropriate balance of chemicals
in the brain. This helps to
prevent conditions such as obsessive
and compulsive behaviors, depression,
panic, anxiety, etc. It is quite
common for doctors to prescribe
Paxil for posttraumatic stress
disorder (PTSD), generalized
anxiety disorder (GAD), depression,
social anxiety disorder (also
known as social phobia), and
premenstrual dysphoric disorder
(PMDD). In addition to Paxil
being used for treating these
disorders, there are other disorders
for which it can be recommended.
You need to follow Paxil directions
properly or if you have been
prescribed Paxil by your doctor,
follow his/her instructions
thoroughly. You need to consume
a full glass of water with each
dose of Paxil. You can take
Paxil with or without consuming
food, but consuming water along
with it is a must.
You should not crush or break
Paxil pills. Chewing as well
is not allowed; you have to
swallow the pills whole in order
for them to have their best
effect.
You are advised not to discontinue
Paxil without informing your
doctor. This is because some
people are discouraged if there
are no immediate effects. It
can take up to 4 weeks for Paxil
to have its intended effects.
Side
Effects:
Taking Paxil may have some of
serious side effects. You need
immediate medical attention
if you experience any of the
following:
• irregular heartbeat
or pulse;
• an allergic reaction:
marked by breathing problems;
closing of the throat; swelling
in any part of the face
• low blood pressure:
marked by weakness, chills,
dizziness, fever;
• high blood pressure:
marked by severe headache, blurred
vision
• unusual bleeding or
bruising;
• hives.
Side effects that are less
severe include:
• headache,
• nausea,
• diarrhea,
• dry mouth,
• appetite changes
• nervousness,
• tremor,
• anxiety;
• difficulty concentrating;
• weight changes.
If any of the above last for
a prolonged period, you need
to tell your doctor about it.
Precautions:
You need to tell you doctor
if you have taken any of the
following in the last couple
of weeks:
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor
(MAOI):
• tranylcypromine (Parnate),
• isocarboxazid (Marplan),
• phenelzine (Nardil)
If you take Paxil with thioridazine
(Mellaril) serious conditions
may arise.
In addition to telling your
doctor about medications you
have been taking, s/he should
also be told if you have had
any of the following health
problems: diabetes, seizures,
kidney disease, liver disease,
or psychological problems such
as suicidal thoughts.
You need to talk to your doctor
before take Paxil, especially
if you are pregnant, planning
a pregnancy or if you are breast
feeding. It is not determined
yet whether the medication will
harm infants, but is known that
the medication passes on to
the feeding child through a
mother’s milk. |
