Generic Paxil

Paxil, which is generically prescribed as paroxitine, is commonly used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, post traumatic stress disorders, and premenstrual dysphoric disorders. Paxil is a member of the family of drugs known as SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Paxil is not appropriate for everyone. A thorough medical history should be assessed prior to prescribing this medication. Patients with a history of seizures, epilepsy, kidney disease, liver disease, bipolar disorder, or a history of suicidal ideation or self harm should not take Paxil or may require careful monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with Paxil, depending on the condition and the severity of the condition.

The American Food and Drug Administration has rated Paxil with a pregnancy risk category D rating, which means that Paxil has been proven to cause serious harm and birth defects to newborns who were exposed to the medication while in the uterus. Paxil does pass through the mother’s breast milk and can affect a nursing baby. The prescribing physician should avoid prescribing this medication to women who are pregnant or nursing or who are likely to become pregnant. Paxil affects the lungs and heart of a newborn baby.

There is a risk of side effects associated with Paxil, some of which are severe. A patient experiencing a serious side effect or an allergic reaction should seek immediate emergency medical intervention. An allergic reaction will present with symptoms that include facial swelling, including swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat, hives, and difficulty breathing. Other serious side effects which require emergency medical attention include symptoms such as convulsions, tremors, shivering, muscle stiffness or twitching, agitation, confusion, sweating, fast heart rate, or lack of balance or coordination.

Some patients experience worsening depression and sudden onset suicidal ideation when taking Paxil, especially patients under 25. Patient who experience sudden changes in mood, anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks, aggression, agitation, confusion, irritability, severe restlessness, self harm, or thoughts of suicide should seek immediate emergency treatment. Children under the age of eighteen are especially prone to worsening conditions while undergoing drug therapy with Paxil. This medication is not recommended for children under the age of 18.

Other less serious side effects typically do not require emergency medical treatment but should be reported to the prescribing physician. Patients should be encouraged to report all side effects. Less serious side effects include symptoms such as nausea, constipation, loss of appetite, nervousness, restlessness, drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, insomnia, weight changes, dry mouth, yawning, ringing in the ears, and sexual dysfunction. Less serious side effects can often be reduced to a tolerable level by reducing the dosage of Paxil.

Paxil should be taken exactly as it has been prescribed. If the patient misses a dose, the dose should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped to avoid an overdose. The patient should never take a double dose of this medication. If an overdose is suspected, the patient should be taken for immediate emergency medical care. An overdose will present with symptoms that include symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, tremors, blurry vision, rapid heart beats, decreased urination, confusion, aggression, seizures, coma, and death.

There is a risk of drug interactions associated with Paxil. Patients should be urged to inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new medications, including over the counter medications and herbal remedies. Medications that are known to cause interactions with Paxil include medications for pain, swelling, fever, or inflammation, atomoxetine, heart rhythm medications, blood thinners, antidepressants, phenothiazine, and almotriptan. MAO inhibitors, thioridazine, and pimozide are likely to cause death if taken with Paxil.