Paxil and its Uses
Generic Paxil is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a safe and effective treatment for these conditions:
With continued treatment, Generic Paxil can help restore the balance of serotonin (a naturally occurring brain chemical) -- which helps reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Generic Paxil is the first medication in the class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) approved by the FDA to treat all these conditions.
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In the brain there are numerous different chemical compounds called neurotransmitters. These act as chemical messengers between the nerve cells. Serotonin is one such neurotransmitter and has various functions that we know of.
When serotonin is released from nerve cells in the brain it acts to lighten mood. When it is reabsorbed into the nerve cells, it no longer has an effect on mood. It is thought that when depression occurs, there may be a decreased amount of serotonin released from nerve cells in the brain.
Generic Paxil works by preventing serotonin from being reabsorbed back into the nerve cells in the brain. This helps prolong the mood lightening effect of any released serotonin. In this way, Generic Paxil helps relieve depression, panic and fear.
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Paxil Dose
Missed Dose of Paxil
Take the missed dose of Paxil as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose of Paxil and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of Paxil.
Excess Dose of Paxil
Generic Paxil in excess dose may show symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, tremor, seizures, agitation, drowsiness, hyperactivity, and enlarged pupils.
Conditions for Storage of Generic Paxil
Store Generic Paxil at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Potencies of Generic Paxil
Paxil Tablets: Paxil 10 mg, Paxil 20 mg, Paxil 30 mg & Paxil 40 mg
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Food and Drug Interactions with Paxil
- Generic Paxil should not be taken at the same time as monoamine oxidase inhibitor medicines (MAOIs). These include monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressants such as phenelzine and moclobemide, the antibiotic linezolid and the anti-Parkinson's medicine selegeline. Generic Paxil should not be started until at least at least a day after stopping moclobemide or linezolid, and at least two weeks after stopping other monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Similarly, treatment with any MAOIs should not be started until at least two weeks after stopping treatment with Paxil.
- The blood level of Generic Paxil may be decreased by antiepileptic medicines such as phenytoin, carbamazepine and phenobarbital.
- Generic Paxil may increase the blood levels of the following medicines:
- antipsychotic medicines, such as clozapine, perphenazine and thioridazine (paroxetine must not be taken by people taking thioridazine)
- some tricyclic antidepressants (clomipramine, imipramine, desipramine, trimipramine)
- procyclidine.
- There may be an increase in side effects if Generic Paxil is taken with the herbal remedy St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). St John's wort should not be taken with Paxil.
- If Generic Paxil is taken with other medicines that enhance serotonin in the brain, there may be an increased risk of side effects such as agitation, restlessness and diarrhea, known as the 'serotonin syndrome'. Other medicines that increase serotonin activity include the following:
- certain other antidepressants
- lithium
- St John's wort
- tramadol
- tryptophan
- triptans for migraine, such as sumatriptan.
- There may be an increased risk of bleeding if Generic Paxil is taken by people who are taking any of the following medicines, which are known to affect the ability of the blood to clot:
- anticoagulants such as warfarin
- antiplatelet medicines such as aspirin, dipyridamole or ticlopidine
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) e.g. ibuprofen, diclofenac
- some antipsychotic medicines, e.g. clozapine, chlorpromazine
- some antisickness medicines, e.g. prochlorperazine
- tricyclic antidepressants.
- People with diabetes may find that treatment with Generic Paxil alters control of their blood sugar in people with diabetes. As a result, they may need an adjustment in their dose of insulin or antidiabetic tablets.
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Contraindications with Paxil
Generic Paxil is contraindicated in the following:
- Children and adolescents under 18 years of age
- Manic episodes of bipolar affective disorder (manic depression)
- Uncontrolled epilepsy
- People who have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressant (MAOI) in the last 14 days
- People taking the antipsychotic medicine thioridazine
- Generic Paxil should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
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Precautions with Paxil
Generic Paxil should be used with caution in:
- Elderly people
- Young adults
- History of suicidal behavior or thoughts
- History of mania or hypomania
- People receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
- People taking antipsychotic medicines
- Decreased kidney function
- Decreased liver function
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Heart disease
- History of bleeding disorders
- People taking medicine to prevent blood clotting (anticoagulants, e.g. warfarin)
- History of glaucoma
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Adverse effects with Paxil
The adverse effects associated with Generic Paxil are:
- Nausea
- Sexual problems
- Decreased appetite
- Sleepiness (somnolence)
- Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)
- Dizziness
- Shaking, usually of the hands (tremor)
- Visual disturbances such as blurred vision
- Yawning
- Dry mouth
- Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhea or constipation
- Sweating
- Weakness or loss of strength (asthenia)
- Weight gain
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Abnormal bleeding
- Seizures
- Skin reactions such as rash and itch
- Liver disorders
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