Function of Paxil
Paxil, like other SSRIs, is traditionally used for the treatment of severe depression. It can also be used as an anxiolytic to offer relief from anxiety disorders such as SAD (seasonal affective disorder) and PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder. It can also used to treat panic disorders and phobias in some patients. Paxil may also help with obsessive thoughts as found in OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin so that more of it stays in the synaptic channel longer, resulting in elevated mood.
Drug Interactions and Side Effects with Paxil
Paxil should never be combined with MAO inhibitors or thioridazine, as a potentially fatal interaction may occur. If you are prescribed Paxil, you should not take it within two weeks of discontinuing one of these drugs. Paxil should be used with caution by anyone with glaucoma or a history of seizures. Paxil can have unpleasant interaction effects with a number of other drugs, so anyone considering Paxil should be sure to disclose all of their other medications to their doctor.
How to Take Paxil
Paxil is usually taken once a day orally. It should not be crushed, cut or chewed, but swallowed whole. You should not discontinue Paxil as soon as you feel better, as the medication works by remaining at a certain level in your bloodstream. If you miss a dose, skip it and move on to the next dose if it is close to the time for the next dose. Do not double dose. Some side effects may include dry mouth, decreased sex drive, drowsiness, diarrhea and nausea.
OCD, Anxiety Disorders and Depression
Obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorders, anxiety disorders and depression are all disorders that can have crippling effects on someone’s life. The root causes of these illnesses are often a combination of brain chemistry, learned defense responses and environmental factors. Medication like Paxil can manage the symptoms of these disorders, but long-term relief often requires other forms of therapy, such as psychoanalysis or cognitive behavioral therapy, to get to the root of the problems. It is when the patient starts to feel better as a result of medication that it is most crucial to proceed with complementary forms of treatment. This gives the patient the best chance of a successful recovery in most cases.
