Generic Paxil is an antidepressant type of drug that belongs to a group called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRI. It functions by restoring the balance of the natural substance in the brain called serotonin. The chemical serotonin relieves certain mood problems such as depression. Generic Paxil is effective in treating mood disorders like depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviour, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Generic Paxil can be used on other medical purposes depending on the discretion and judgment of a medical expert.
A normal chemical message is transferred and processed this way: when a message travels down a nerve, the end of the nerve cell releases serotonin. The serotonin enters the synapse between the first nerve cell and the next. When a sufficient amount of serotonin reaches the second nerve cell, it sets off receptors on the cell and the message is carried in that same way. The first nerve cell absorbs immediately any remaining serotonin in the synapse or gap between the cells. This absorption is called reuptake.
When the levels of serotonin become unbalanced, it results to various psychological conditions including depression. Generic Paxil works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin in order to leave more space between the brain's nerve cells. This way, the serotonin has a better chance of activating the receptors on the next nerve cells.
- Generic Paxil is taken orally with a glass of water.
- The usual dose recommended is 20mg, which comes in pink tablet and is taken once per day, ideally in the morning.
- A higher dosage, which is 30mg, comes in blue tablet.
- Depressed elderlies are recommended to take 10mg tablet per day.
- Doctors may change the level of dosage but it should not exceed to 50mg per day.
- Dose adjustments should be done with at least one week interval.
Side effects that require immediate medical attention include:
- Hives or skin rashes
- Difficulty in breathing
- Signs of allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Panic attacks
- Irritability
- Sleep disorders such as insomnia
- Severe restlessness
- Aggressiveness
- Mental and physical hyperactivity
- Suicidal thoughts
- Easy bruising or bleeding such as a nosebleed
- Rigid muscles
- High fever
- Sweating
- Irregular heartbeats
- Chills or tremors
- Overactive reflexes
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Unsteadiness or loss of coordination
- Headache
- Trouble concentrating
- Memory problems
- Weakness
- Disorientation
- Hallucinations
- Fainting
- Seizure
- Shallow breathing or breathing that stops
- A doctor will conduct various laboratory and psychological tests to thoroughly evaluate your condition and the right amount of dosage suitable for you.
- The doctor will also take any signs of further psychological deterioration or worsening symptoms including the frequency of suicidal thoughts and tendencies.
- More attention is given to patients who are 18 years old or younger since the risks of suicide attempts and behaviors are more prevalent among people of this age range.
- Change of dosage may also be required for those who are younger.
- The doctor also has to know if you have a history of anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty in sleeping, hostility, aggressiveness, irritability, impulsiveness, and severe restlessness.
- Contact your doctor if you notice signs and symptoms of increased symptoms of depression and suicidal thoughts.
What Should I Avoid While Taking Generic Paxil?
Taking of Generic Paxil requires physical and mental health discipline. To get optimum results and medical benefits of Paxil, take your medication with the following precautions:
- Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while under medication. Drinking alcoholic drinks will also increase the side effects of generic Paxil.
- Do not take anti-viral medicines while taking Paxil.
- You should not also take generic Paxil along with other drugs such as anti-allergies, narcotic pain medicines, sleeping pills, anxiety medicines, drugs for seizure, and muscle relaxers since this could contribute to sleepiness brought by taking of Paxil.
- Avoid driving or operating machines and other activities that would require alertness and mental concentration since taking generic Paxil could affect your reasoning and reactions.
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