Paxil is an FDA-approved antidepressant for anxiety treatment. With multiple studies conducted to assess Paxil efficacy, its use has been supported for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) treatment in adults. It is widely popular under the generic name of Paroxetine.
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The Use of Paxil for Anxiety
The mechanism of action of Paxil for anxiety is not clearly understood. It is an SSRIs medication, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that is believed to affect the serotonin levels and provide relief for imbalanced mood, anxiety, low energy among others. SSRIs medications are known for blocking the reuptake of serotonin allowing more levels of this chemical to be available for improving the transmission of messages between neurons. The longer serotonin is around in the system, the longer relief for depression and anxiety is achieved.
Paxil is linked to efficacy in subjects with a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD
patients typically have a fear or excessive worry without a trigger or source which provokes anxiety. Patients are constantly anticipating negative life circumstances including worry about their health, money, family. Just one thought about anything may cause an anxiety attack. Doctors treat this mental health condition with psychotherapy, antidepressants, or prescribe them together. The most common medications used for GAD treatment are Xanax, Klonopin, Valium. When they are no longer effective or cause many severe side effects, a doctor may assign a treatment plan with Paxil.
Beyond that, Paxil may be used for these types of anxiety:
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD);
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Paxil for anxiety is prescribed only to treat anxious adults, while the use in pediatrics is not recommended. This medication like other antidepressants may increase the probability of suicidal ideation, behaviors, or attempts. Other modalities are available to treat this mental health condition in young patients.
Beyond that, this antidepressant is not recommended for use in pregnant due to the potential for malformations and abnormalities in the fetus. Paxil may excrete into human milk.
What Are the Possible Side Effects of Paxil for Anxiety?
Paxil for anxiety side effects may occasionally occur when adjusting the dosage without speaking to the doctor or taking it together with other medications or alcohol.
The most common adverse effects when taking Paxil include:
- dry mouth;
- dizziness;
- sweating;
- impotence;
- constipation;
- nausea.
Like other antidepressants, Paxil may have withdrawal side effects among which are irritability, anxiety, and headache. A doctor will gradually decrease the dosage.
This medication is linked to drowsiness and blurred vision, so the patients should abstain from driving or operating heavy machinery until they know how it affects their systems.
What Is the Dosage Regimen of Paxil for Anxiety?
The dosage is tailored individually and based on the patient’s age, the severity of symptoms as well as individual response to the medication.
The initial dose is 20mg for patients with GAD. A doctor may safely increase it up to 60mg to achieve the highest therapeutic effect.
Take it with or without food. Make a habit of taking Paxil in the morning at the same time every day.
