What is the use of Paxil?

Paxil (chemically spelled as paroxetine), also known as Prozac (Tofranil), is in the serotonin reuptake antidepressant (SSRI) categories of antidepressants. SSRIs boost the serotonin levels in a person's brain and this improves a person's mood. Paxil is primarily used to treat severe depression, anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder in people. It has also been shown to be effective in treating the sexual dysfunction in men.

Some of the effects of Paxil are sedation, better focus, decreased appetite, and enhanced moods. A few of the adverse reactions reported by users include restlessness, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth and flushing. Also, people may experience a change in their heart rate, chest pain and increased blood pressure after taking paxil. Another drug, Zoloft (Sertraline), is a different type of reuptake inhibitor that can produce some of the same side effects as paxil.

There are some drug specialists who believe that taking too much of Paxil can lead to serotonin syndrome - a serious condition wherein the body doesn't control excessive amounts of serotonin. Some of the symptoms of serotonin syndrome include irritability, depression, mania, anxiety and hyperactivity. People with serotonin syndrome may feel restless, have trouble concentrating, be easily distracted, and experience physical twitching. Another serotonin syndrome symptom is a decreased libido. To be sure, paxil isn't exactly a miracle drug for sexual dysfunctions.

Paxil is a prescription drug, and it can become habit forming if the dosage is increased too often or too frequently. This is one of the main reasons why so many people quit taking it because they experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it. However, most experts agree that the Paxil experience should be enjoyable and not considered a painful ordeal.

In fact, the Paxil experience is a very positive one. This is especially true if you know and understand how your body works. Many people who experience the delightful feeling of Paxil can attest to its power to calm and relax nerves. If you do experience any of the withdrawal symptoms described above, then don't worry. They will go away once you stop taking the drug. But the fact that you experienced them in the first place means that you've put yourself through an experience that could make you feel anxious, depressed or even downright scared.

In the case of anxiety and panic attacks, the symptoms of paxil addiction may include restlessness, irritability, trouble concentrating, depression and hot flashes. All of these symptoms are considered normal reactions to being on the drugs, but if you continue taking too much of them, then you may experience more adverse effects. In addition to experiencing increased anxiety and depression, you may also begin to lose your appetite and have trouble sleeping. So yes, your body may experience withdrawal symptoms while on paxil, but these are perfectly normal reactions. If you continue to follow your doctor's orders and take the proper amount of the drug, you should be able to control these symptoms and your cravings.

When you consider how confusing addiction is, it becomes clear just how imperative it is to keep track of prescriptions. For this reason, your doctor will require you to maintain a log detailing when you've had the medication and how you responded to it. The most common problem with this is that people who are withdrawing from paxil often forget to record a time of day when they took the drug. So even though you may notice that your cravings seem less severe or that you have trouble sleeping, you could still be suffering from a confusing addiction.

While Paxil can be a very effective medication for treating anxiety and depression associated with the management of pain and stress, it should never be taken for granted. If you think you're suffering from a substance abuse disorder, contact a local drug rehab program. They will be able to assess your situation and help you determine whether you should continue with your prescription or find another way to conquer your anxiety and depression. With the right help, you can get rid of your Paxil addiction and move forward with a productive life.