Paxil is a brand-name prescription medication used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder), bulimia nervosa (bulimia), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Paxil is supplied as an oral tablet or oral suspension (liquid). It contains the drug paroxetine, which is also available in generic form. Paxil is only available via prescription from a licensed health care provider.

Health care providers prescribe Paxil to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia, and other mental health conditions like anxiety disorders, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Depression, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a mood disorder that negatively affects how you think, behave, and feel. Untreated depression can lead to a range of emotional and physical issues. The symptoms of depression may vary from person to person. They may appear mild in some, while they can be debilitating in others.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a chronic condition that causes unwanted and uncontrollable thoughts or fears (obsessions). These obsessive thoughts lead individuals to engage in repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Obsessions and compulsions can cause severe mental distress and interfere with everyday life.

Bulimia nervosa, commonly referred to as bulimia," is a potentially life-threatening eating disorder. Those with bulimia will go through episodes of “binge eating,” where they cannot control the amount of food they eat, followed by “purging.” Bulimia, if left untreated, can lead to extremely serious medical complications—even death. Due to the cycle of binging and purging, individuals with bulimia can seriously dehydrate themselves, damage their internal organs (including the heart and kidneys), and erode the enamel of their teeth.

Premenstrual dysphoria disorder is characterized by severe symptoms at the onset of menstruation. PMDD can cause extreme mood swings, irritability, depression, and physical symptoms like breast tenderness.

Paxil is also prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. A person who suffers from an anxiety disorder may have constant feelings of worry, difficulty concentrating, and an inability to relax. If left untreated, anxiety may eventually interfere with work or school performance, personal relationships, and other daily functions.

Paxil belongs to a classification of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin in our brain cells. Serotonin is a naturally occurring chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) responsible for regulating mood and helping you feel happy. Neurotransmitters send signals between your brain and neurons in the body. Once a signal has been sent, the neuron reabsorbs the serotonin to be recycled.

By blocking the reabsorption (or reuptake) of serotonin in the brain, SSRI medication allows the neurotransmitter to stay active in the brain longer. This can help maintain mental balance, which relieves symptoms of depression, panic disorder, OCD, bulimia, and more.

Paxil has been shown to cause some side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these reactions do not disappear within a few days or become severe.

Common side effects reported from Paxil use:

• Nausea
  
• Stomach pain
  
• Gas
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Constipation
  
• Heartburn
  
• Decreased appetite
  
• Weight loss
  
• Weight gain
  
• Sweating
  
• Dry mouth
  
• Headaches
  
• Dizziness
  
• Weakness
  
• Nervousness
  
• Sexual dysfunction in men and women
  
  

This is not a complete list of adverse reactions. If you experience hallucinations, confusion, fainting, agitation, fever, excessive sweating, changes in heartbeat, chest pain, difficulty breathing, a skin rash, hives, swelling, unusual bleeding or bruising, bloody vomit, bloody stools, or seizures while taking Paxil, seek medical attention immediately.

Antidepressant drugs like Paxil increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, so patients taking Paxil should be monitored for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or unusual changes in mood or behavior.

As with all prescription medications, inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been diagnosed with and any medications or supplements you currently take before starting treatment with Paxil. Paxil can interact with other medicines and substances, causing potentially serious side effects. Before beginning treatment with Paxil, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or are planning on becoming pregnant.

Paxil is commonly prescribed as a once-daily oral capsule or suspension (liquid) to be taken orally. The exact dosage and schedule will vary depending on the patient's age, diagnosis, and body weight. Take the medication exactly as your doctor has instructed.

Do not increase your dosage or discontinue the use of Paxil unless ordered to do so by your doctor. If you experience any adverse reactions, contact a health care provider. Your dosage may increase or decrease depending on how well you tolerate the medication.

You should store your medication in a closed container at room temperature, away from extreme heat, extreme cold, moisture, and direct light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Paxil is only available via prescription from a licensed health care provider. Providers on Sesame can order Paxil for local pickup on the same day. Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your prescription ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for Paxil to be picked up near you—often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.