Paxil for Anxiety: Dosage and Side Effects
October 6, 2008

It is important that you learn the correct Paxil medication dosage to take as well as what the side effects of Paxil could be for you.

Paxil is an antidepressant medicine that is also used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. The United States first introduced Paxil in 1993. If is able to help the symptoms of major depression while at the same time reducing the amount of dangerous side effects that are typically caused by antidepressants. Anxiety disorders treated by Paxil include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The Advantage of Paxil

Paxil is highly effective in reducing depression and anxiety related symptoms. However, it also causes significantly fewer cardiovascular and anticholinergic effects such as dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision and urinary retention. In addition, it is rare that Paxil will cause drowsiness or low blood pressure as is common with many other forms of antidepressant medicine. The reason for this is because Paxil doesn't have the usual active metabolites that are in the other medicines and allows it to leave the body's system after twenty-four hours.

Who Can Take Paxil

Paxil is good for both elderly patients and young patients alike since the effectiveness is the same. Since anxiety is often a effect of depression it is a good medicine for treating both conditions. In addition, Paxil doesn't impair motor function so it is good for those that experience lethargy with their medical condition.

Paxil Dosage

Paxil is typically taken in the morning at a twenty milligram dosage. Paxil is usually prescribed in either a ten or forty milligram tablet. For elderly individuals doctors typically start the dose at ten milligrams per day. Paxil should not exceed a fifty milligram daily dosage for regular patients and forty milligrams a day in elderly patients. If the dosage is going to be adjusted then you should have at least a one week interval. For anxiety disorders the dosage is typically the same as it is for depression except many doctors prefer to start the dosage at ten milligrams. Those with panic disorders typically need forty milligrams a day to notice an improvement in their condition.

Taking Paxil with Other Medications

Paxil shouldn't be taken with any monoamine oxidase inhibitors since the interactions can lead to fatal results. Before starting either of these medications you should stop taking the first and wait at least fourteen days. If you have kidney or liver problems you should be cautious when taking Paxil. For any other medications it is a good idea to discuss possible interactions with your doctor before starting Paxil. There are also some probable interactions between Paxil and other antidepressants and beta blockers.

Side Effects of Paxil

Most of the side effects associated with Paxil are mild and brief in duration. The biggest side effect with Paxil is nausea, but this can be limited by taking it with food. Other side effects can include drowsiness, asthenia or lack of physical strength, nervousness, dizziness, insomnia, weight gain and sweating. Very few people had to discontinue use of Paxil due to side effects. If you abruptly stop taking Paxil then you may also experience dizziness, nausea, vertigo and shock like sensations. So when you are going to discontinue Paxil it is a good idea to slowly go off the medication. It is recommended that pregnant or lactating women should discuss the use of Paxil with their doctor before starting to use Paxil.

How Soon Will Effects Take Place

In some cases patients have reported seeing improvements in their condition within the first two weeks of taking Paxil. However, for some it can take up to six weeks before you start receiving the full benefits of Paxil. In general a depressed mood, concentration problems and slow activity will be improved within the first week of starting Paxil and sleep disturbances will go away during the second week.

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