Paxil is a drug also referred to as Paroxetine used in the treatment of depression in the class of SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Paroxetine is also capable of treating other disorders like anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. The main work of Paxil is to balance some chemicals in the human body that are responsible for the mood swings. Paxil therefore can correct an individual’s mood, appetite and may also increase the interest of pleasurable activities. Paxil is known to reduce the intensity of anxiety and fear and also reduce the suicidal thoughts associated with depression. It is also believed to suppress some of the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder such as increased appetite and irritability.
The use of Paxil to treat depression highly depends on the patient’s ability to respond to medication and also the type of the depression the victim is suffering from. It is usually taken orally according to the prescribed dose. One of the things that a patient should consider before taking Paxil for depression treatment is reading the instructions on the drug to avoid taking an over dose or under dose which may turn out to be harmful to them. Taking an overdose may worsen the situation that the patient is suffering from.
It is highly recommended that a patient to receive instructions of the medication from a qualified doctor before taking Paxil. The drug should be taken through the mouth without crashing it because side effects risk may rise. The drug is normally taken on a daily basis but a patient is supposed to consult their doctor for instructions on how to take the drug. The drug is taken in the morning and evening depending on the response of the patient to the drug and the dosage. It is also highly recommended that the drug which is packed in tablets be taken as a whole without splitting it into two unless the doctor or pharmacist advises the patient to do so.
Paxil should be used as prescribed by the doctor where it is mostly required to be taken regularly without fail. The drug should be taken according to the prescription and should not be increased or reduced. The doctor should also make sue that the patient starts the drug gradually if need be because people’s response to drugs is different. Taking the drug in excess or without considering the doctor’s prescription only worsens the condition and also increases the side effects of the drug.
When Paxil is taken to treat other disorders such as the premenstrual symptoms the drug is required to be taken each and every day or only when the patient is experiencing the menstrual cycle. The medication should not be stopped at any time without consulting the doctor; this may worsen the condition or develop withdrawal symptoms. The sudden stop in medication may cause some withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, mood swing and tiredness. To be able to avoid such incidences such as withdrawal symptoms it is good for a patient to consult their doctor to be able to reduce their dose gradually.
