What is the most important information I should know about Paxil?
Paxil belongs to a category of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs.
SSRIs first became available in the United States in the 1980s and have continued to remain popular ever since.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images News/Getty Images
Other common SSRIs includeProzac(fluoxetine), Celexa (citalopram), and Zoloft (sertraline).
Paxil Uses
As the name implies, doctors originally prescribed antidepressants to help reduce thesymptoms of depression.
However, these medications, including Paxil, are now used to treat mood and anxiety disorders.
As a neurotransmitter, serotonin helps in mood and sleep regulation, as well as other functions.
People with mood andanxiety disordersare considered to have a dysregulation in the serotonin system.
Paxil works to balance a persons level of serotonin by preventing brain cells from quickly absorbing it.
Through balancing serotonin levels, Paxil can help enhance mood and reduce anxiety.
Paxil can also help alleviate the symptoms of some common co-occurring conditions, such as depression or sometimes headaches.
How Long Does It Take for Paxil to Work?
Paxil will not work immediately to help reduce your symptoms of panic disorder.
If your side effects do not go away or become unmanageable, contact your doctor to discuss options.
They might adjust your dose or consider switching you to a different medication.
Be certain that your doctor is aware of all prescribed and over-the-counter medications you are taking.
Discontinuing Your Prescription
In some cases, you may decide that you want to stop taking Paxil.
Your doctor can help you to gradually reduce your dosage until you are completely off Paxil.
Do not abruptly discontinue your prescription on your own.
This can lead to somewithdrawal-like symptoms.
Due to these concerns, young people started on SSRIs should be observed for declining mood and suicidal thoughts.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
Alcohol
Consuming alcohol with Paxil can potentially increase its toxicity or reduce its effectiveness.
Older Adults
When taking Paxil, older adults may be more susceptible to side effects.
An adjustment in dosage may be needed to reduce side effects.
The information provided here is meant to be an overview of the use of Paxil for panic disorder.
Always consult your medical provider about any questions and/or concerns you may have about your Paxil prescription.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Prescribing information: Paxil (paroxetine hydrochloride) tablets and oral suspension.
2014;12(3):196202. doi:10.9758/cpn.2014.12.3.196
Nevels RM, Gontkovsky ST, Williams BE.Paroxetine-the antidepressant from hell?
Probably not, but caution required.Psychopharmacol Bull.
2016;46(1):77-104.
2019;10:294. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00294
Dudley, William.Antidepressants.
San Diego, CA: Reference Point Press, 2008.
Silverman, Harold M.The Pill Book.
New York, NY: Bantam Books, 2012.
