Why is Paxil prescribed?

March 13, 2012

Paxil is prescribed to treat many conditions. It is basically an antidepressant. It is one of the most prescribed antidepressants to date. It belongs to the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This class of drugs works with the chemicals in the brain reducing the symptoms of depression and other mood disorder. Although there have been reported physical and emotional side effects of Paxil withdrawal, still, it is  considered as a good treatment choice for the following:

Depression

Depression is a medical illness characterized by an intense feeling of sadness, medical researchers say. It is coupled with other symptoms such as, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, sleeping problems, change in appetite, moodiness, low sex drive, suicidal thoughts, difficulty to focus on something and feelings of worthlessness.

Obssessive/ Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder in which people have thoughts and feelings, ideas, sensations or obsessions, compulsions and behavior that make them feel driven to do something. A person may have both obsessions and compulsions. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a disease that drives the individual to do something repeatedly.

Panic Attack

Panic attack is an anxiety disorder. It may occur randomly or following a situation that may provoke a panic attack. Signs of panic attacks include, palpitations, sweating, numbness, chills, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, fear of dying, hot flashes, faintness, abdominal distress and feeling of emotional detachment.

Uncontrolled Anxiety

Paxil is used to treat anxiety in general. It is a condition marked by excessive worry that lasts for more than six months. Symptoms are restlessness, fatigue, difficulty focusing, irritability, sleeping problems and muscle tension.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder is also known as social phobia. It is an anxiety disorder marked by an excessive and unreasonable fear of social situations. It usually arises from a fear of being closely watched, judged and criticized by others.

Post-traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder is also known as shell shock or battle fatigue syndrome. It may develop after a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic or terrifying event. PTSD is a lasting effect of traumatic experience that resulted to an intense horror, helplessness or fear. A person may experience PTSD after an accident, unexpected death of a loved one, physical assault, war or natural calamities.

People who had a traumatic experience may be shocked, angry, nervous, afraid and guilty. Normally, these feelings would not linger that long for most people but for people with PTSD, these feelings would go on and become more intense. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, deep stress, and loss of interest in life, sleeping problems, and difficulty in focusing.

 

The antidepressant Paxil is usually prescribed to treat the abovementioned mental or mood disorders despite reports of Paxil side effects. The reported link of Paxil to many adverse effects has not yet been duly established. The FDA upholds that the benefits of Paxil in treating depression and other mood disorders outweigh the risks.


URL References: 



drugs.com/paxil.html
paxilfacts.org/
webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/mental-health-social-anxiety-disorder
fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/DrugSafetyInformationforHeathcareProfessionals/PublicHealthAdvisories/ucm0533







 

 

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