What is Paroxetine?
Paroxetine is an antidepressant that belongs to the class of drugs, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Paroxetine is sold under the brand names Seroxat, Paxil, Paxil CR and Pexeva.
It was first approved in the United States in 1992 for medical use and initially sold by GlaxoSmithKline. It is currently available as a generic medication.
How Does It Work?
Paroxetine is a drug that may be used to treat depression and other mood disorders.
Experts believe that Paroxetine has the ability to rebalance the chemicals present in the brain, such as serotonin, that are imbalanced in the individuals with depression, anxiety and other disorders.
Its activity against other neurotransmitters is much less potent than other antidepressants.
What is Paroxetine Used For?
It is believed that Paroxetine may affects the brain chemicals that may be unbalanced in people with depression, anxiety, or other disorders.
Paroxetine is used to treat major depressive disorder, social anxiety disorder, post—traumatic stress disorder, obsessive—compulsive disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
It has also been used in the treatment of premature ejaculation and hot flashes due to menopause. It is consumed by mouth.
What is The Dosage For Paroxetine?
The recommended dose of Paroxetine is 20-60 mg daily of immediate release tablets or 12.5-75 mg daily using controlled release tablets.
It is given as a single daily dose, usually in the morning. As with all anti-depressants, the full effect may not occur until after a few weeks of therapy.
What are The Side-Effects of Taking Paroxetine?
Common side-effects of paroxetine are —
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Anxiety
- Trouble sleeping
- Constipation
- Weakness
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Dizziness
Other side-effects may include —
- Increased blood pressure
- Seizures
- Sexual dysfunction, Such as delayed ejaculation, decreased sexual desire
Some individuals may experience withdrawal reactions when stopping paroxetine. Symptoms of withdrawal include —
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Insomnia
Note— The dose of paroxetine should not be stopped suddenly. It should be reduced gradually when therapy is get discontinued.
Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in short—term studies in adolescents and children with depression and other psychiatric disorders.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs):
Q. What brand names are available for Paroxetine?
A. Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva
Q. What should I do if I miss a dose of Paroxetine?
A. If you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Q. Is Paroxetine available as a generic drug?
A. Yes.
Q. Do I need a prescription for Paroxetine?
A. Yes.
Q. What special dietary instructions should I follow?
A. Unless your health care provider tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Q. What preparations of Paroxetine are available?
A. Tablets: 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg; Paxil CR Tablets: 12.5, 25, and 37.5 mg; Suspension: 10 mg/5ml
Q. How should I keep Paroxetine stored?
A. Tablets should be kept at room temperature, 59 F – 86 F (15 C – 30 C). The suspension and controlled release tablets should be stored at or below 77 F (25 C).
Q. Is Paroxetine safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
A. Its use during pregnancy may result in congenital heart defects. It should not be administered to pregnant women unless the need justifies the risk.
Paroxetine is secreted in breast milk. Mothers who are taking paroxetine should consider not breastfeeding.
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REFERENCES:
- What is paroxetine, and how does it work (mechanism of action); Medicine Net, paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva); Pharmacy Author: Omudhome Ogbru, PharmD Medical and Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
- What Is Paxil (Paroxetine)?; Everyday Health; By Mary Elizabeth Dallas; Medically Reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH
- Paroxetine; Medline Plus
- Drugs and Supplements; Paroxetine (Oral Route); Mayo clinic
- Paroxetine; Drug.com; Medically reviewed by Kaci Durbin, MD