We all know that, depression may result into harmful results. It may force any person or even children to do suicide attempts, which can bring an end to the life. So, its necessary for us to deal with the depression effectively. Understanding this crucial need, Paxil i.e. Paroxetine medication is introduced. Paxil is an anti-depressant drug that affects the chemicals that nerves in the brain use to communicate with one another. These chemical messengers called neurotransmitters are released by one nerve and taken up by other nerves. Neurotransmitters that are released but not taken up by other nerves are taken up by the nerves that release them reuptake.

Many experts believe that it is an imbalance among the amounts of the different neurotransmitters that are released that causes depression. Paroxetine works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin by the nerves that release it an action which allows more serotonin to be available to be taken up by other nerves. Paroxetine is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs a class that also contains Fluoxetine, Paxil and Sertraline Zoloft. Paroxetine should not be given to children under 18 years of age.

Caution is to be taken, if it is used for the treatment in the teenager. It is understood that teenagers who take medication like Paroxetine run the risk of becoming suicidal. So, pay keen attention to your child’s behavior if they are on a course with this medication and inform your doctor immediately if you notice any sudden/unusual behavioral changes. And keep all appointments with your child’s doctor, so that the doctor will be fully aware of the improvements or dangers that are caused by the medicine.

Paroxetine is given as a single daily dose usually in the morning. Paroxetine tablets are to be swallowed whole with a glass of water and maybe taken with or without food. Do not crush the tablet. As with all anti-depressants the full effect may not occur until few weeks of therapy are completed. Doses for obsessive- compulsive disorders and panic disorders are often higher than those for depression. Doses often are adjusted to find the optimal dose. Do not increase or decrease your dosage on your own.

Elderly patients debilitated persons and patients with certain kidney or liver diseases may need lower doses because they metabolize and eliminate Paroxetine more slowly and therefore are prone to develop high blood levels. So, please consult your doctor for the exact dosage and take exactly as directed by your doctor or your health care professional.

The most commonly noted side effects associated with Paroxetine are Unusual tiredness/weakness, , Light headedness, Anxiety, Sweating, Nausea, Decreased Appetite, Insomnia, and Male sexual disturbances, Rashes, Hives, Agitation, Vomiting, Breathing difficulty, Anxiety/restlessness, Excited feelings/actions, Palpitations of the heart, Painful/prolonged erection, Tingling/pain/numbness in the hands/feet, Difficulty passing urine/urge to pass urine more often, somnolence, sleepiness, dizziness etc. Dry mouth occurs in about 18 of patients taking Paroxetine.
If you notice any of the symptoms listed above or any other symptoms which seem severe/persistent contact your doctor immediately.

The withdrawal of treatment with many anti-depressants has been associated with troublesome symptoms. Symptoms have been particularly frequent with anti-depressants like Paroxetine classified as SSRIs. Specifically the incidence of symptoms upon withdrawal is between 17 and 30 with Paroxetine and Fluvoxamine Luvox but less than 5 with other SSRIs.

The most common symptoms of withdrawal have been dizziness, tiredness, tingling of the extremities, nausea, vivid dreams, irritability, and poor mood. Other symptoms have included visual disturbances and headaches.

Withdrawal reactions have been reported upon withdrawing SSRIs after an average of 12 to 36 weeks of treatment but after as few as 5 weeks. Although most authorities have recommended that treatment be discontinued by tapering the SSRI by gradually reducing the dose symptoms have occurred despite tapering. Symptoms generally appear within a few days of discontinuing medication and persist for an average of 12 days up to 21 days. They are relieved within 24 hours by re-administering the medication that was discontinued.

It has been suggested that SSRIs may cause depression to worsen and even lead to suicide in a small number of patients. These potential side effects are difficult to evaluate in depressed patients because depression can progress with or without treatment and suicide is itself a consequence of depression. Moreover the evidence supporting these potential side effects is weak. Therefore no conclusions can yet be drawn about the relationship between SSRIs and worsening depression and suicide. Until better information is available patients receiving SSRIs should be monitored for worsening depression and suicidal tendencies.

All SSRIs including Paroxetine should not be taken with any of the MAO mono-amine oxidase inhibitor-class of anti-depressants for example isocarboxazid Marplan, phenelzine Nardil, tranylcypromine Parnate and procarbazine Matulane. Such combinations may lead to confusion high blood pressure tremor and increased activity. This same type of interaction may also occur with selegiline Eldepryl, fenfluramine Pondimin and dexfenfluramine Redux. The anti-ulcer medication cimetidine Tagamet can increase the amount of Paroxetine in the blood possibly leading to side effects. Paroxetine may increase the risk of bleeding in patients taking warfarin Coumadin although the mechanism for the interaction is not known. Tryptophan can cause headaches nausea sweating and dizziness when taken with any SSRI. Phenytoin Dilantin and phenobarbital may decrease the amount of Paroxetine in the body and possibly reducing its effectiveness.

Also inform your doctor if you are allergic to the formulation of these listed medication or any other medication in any other form.

MAO inhibitors, Psychotic disturbance medication, Pain relief medication, Alcohol, Digoxin, Lithium, Warfarin, Linezolid, Sleep aids, Cisapride , Pimozide, Selegiline, Tramadol, Diet drugs, Primidone, Phenytoin, Cimetidine, Astemizole, Terfenadine, Thioridazine, Procarbazine, Furazolidone, Theophylline, Fosphenytoin, Amphetamine, Phenobarbital, St. Johns wort, Doxercalciferol, Dextromethorphan, Dextroamphetamine, Migraine medication, Antacids with Paxil CR, Medication for depression/anxiety, Medication for regulating heart rhythm/blood pressure.

Paxil CR is approved for continuous or intermittent therapy for premenstrual dysphoric disorder. For intermittent therapy women take Paxil CR once daily during only the two-week period prior to the onset of their menstrual cycle rather than throughout the month.

In case of overdose call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
If the suffering patient has collapsed or is not breathing call local emergency services at 911. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

Keep informing your doctor about the improvements and side effects caused due to Paroxetine medication. Do not take OTC medicine yourself for cold, coughs or any other ailment before consulting with your health care professional whilst on a course with this medication. And keep all your appointments with the concerned laboratory and your doctor as he / she may require certain laboratory tests to check your response to the Paxil i.e. Paroxetine medication.

Please read the instructions and information on the manufacturers leaflet before starting your child on a course with the Paxil. If you have any doubts, please consult your doctor or your pharmacist for more information.

Do not double your doses in any case and if you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. And, if it is almost the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue to your regular dosing.

Paxil Paroxetine is utilized in the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder [amongst adults and pediatric patients] and severe depression.

It may also be used to cure Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Bulimia [eating disorder], and Panic Disorder/attacks, Post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder.

Paroxetine is also used occasionally to treat headaches diabetic leg pain and premature ejaculation. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition. This medication may be prescribed for other uses ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In any case, do not store the Paxil capsules in the bathroom. It should be stored at room temperature between 59 - 86 degrees F 15 - 30 degrees C away from light. Capsules should be stored at or below room temperature between 59-77 degrees F 15-25 degrees C. Check Expiry date without fail. Keep all medicines away from women, newborns, children and pets. Also, keep it away from heat and direct light. Moisture or Heat may cause the break down of the medicine.

Following precautions must be taken during consuming generic Paxil:

1. Acknowledge your doctor if you are suffering from some kind of severe diseases or if you need to undergo any kind of surgery. Inform your doctor immediately about it, so that the doctor can decide whether to continue taking Paxil or stop it during the surgery.

2. Avoid Alcohol and alcoholic beverages during the course.

3. Let the doctor also know if you are in-taking any prescribed or non prescribed medicines, health supplements or any OTC medications etc. for any other conditions.

4. Do not take this Paxil, if you have any kind of allergy to it or to any ingredients of it and tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and get treated.

5. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding before using this drug. Inform your doctor immediately even, if you are planning to conceive, or become pregnant during the course.

6. Do not share the drug with others unless they are prescribed by the doctor themselves.

7. Please, take the medicine in the prescribed amount and do not overdose it or use it for the longer period of time.

8. Do not discontinue on your own. Consult your doctor before doing so.