Side Effects Center -

Paxil is an antidepressant medication that was initially manufactured and marketed by SmithKline Beacham (now GlaxoSmithKline) pharmaceutical Company in 1992. The medication is currently available in different trade names depending on generic manufacturer including Aropax, Paroxetine, Seroxat and Sereupin amongst others. Paxil is a prescription only medication and was one of the most prescribed antidepressant medications in the USA in 2006, recording over $1 billion in sales.

Disease/Conditions

Paxil was the first antidepressant medication to have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of panic attacks. It is also indicated for the treatment of varied other conditions including major depression symptoms, compulsive disorder, anxiety, social phobia and premenstrual dysphonic disorder. Apart from these disorders, Paxil has been subjected to studies to establish its efficacy it the treatment of premature ejaculation. It has also been established to be effective in the treatment of compulsive behavior such as that of gambling and in treating hot flashes in pre and menopausal women. The efficacy of Paxil in treating major depression symptoms has been proved without any doubt through various clinical trials.

Side effects

Although Paxil side effects take after those of other antidepressants, some are unique. Generally, its use leads to the following side effects:

• Sexual dysfunction – Like with other antidepressants, long-term use of Paxil can lead to sexual dysfunction. This starts as reduced libido when a patient becomes less interested in sex, has trouble achieving orgasm. These side effects can last for a long time after discontinuation of the drug.
• Common Paxil side effects include nausea, somnolence, asthenia, insomnia, constipation, high blood pressure, headache, weight gain and paresthesia. These side effects normally occur during the first few weeks of using the medication as the body develops tolerance.
• Long-term use of Paxil increases the risk of a patient developing suicidal thoughts. This is particularly in young adults.
• Discontinuation syndrome – Although most antidepressants cause discontinuation syndrome upon discontinuation, Paxil’s has been found to be of a higher rate. Discontinuation syndrome symptoms include nausea, anxiety, crying, dizziness, lightheadedness, insomnia and nightmares. To help patients avoid discontinuation side effect, doctors normally prescribe fluoxetine as the last drug of use.

Paxil dosage

Paxil is available as controlled release (CR) and immediate release (IM) medication. It is also available in solution form. Paxil dosage depends on various factors including a patient’s particular medical condition to be treated, general body health and body mass. Although Paxil is a prescription only medication and normally administered to hospitalized patients, overdose is possible, which manifests in emesis, ataxia, seizures and lethargy amongst other symptoms. Generally, the recommended dose is between 40-400/ug/L daily.

Due to adverse Paxil side effects, its use in patients under 18 years and pregnant women or those intending to become pregnant soon is strictly prohibited. From studies undertaken, the use of Paxil in those less than 18 years easily leads to suicidal ideas. Women who use Paxil in the first trimester of their pregnancy have been established to bear children with cardiovascular malfunctions.