Prescription Drug Index

Paxil relieves a variety of emotional problems. It can be prescribed for serious continuing depression that interferes with your ability to function. Symptoms of this type of depression often include changes in appetite and sleep patterns a persistent low mood loss of interest in people and activities decreased sex drive feelings of guilt or worthlessness suicidal thoughts difficulty concentrating and slowed thinking.

Paxil is also used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) a disease marked by unwanted but stubbornly persistent thoughts or unreasonable rituals you feel compelled to repeat.

In addition Paxil is prescribed for panic disorder a crippling emotional problem characterized by sudden attacks of at least four of the following symptoms: palpitations sweating shaking numbness chills or hot flashes shortness of breath a feeling of choking chest pain nausea or abdominal distress dizziness or faintness feelings of unreality or detachment fear of losing control or fear of dying.

Paxil can be prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder a disease marked by excessive anxiety and worry that persists for at least 6 months and can’t be easily controlled. True cases of generalized anxiety disorder are accompanied by at least three of the following symptoms: restlessness or a keyed-up or on-edge feeling a tendency to tire easily difficulty concentrating or spells when the mind goes blank irritability muscle tension or sleep disturbance.

Paxil can also be used in the treatment of social anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia) a condition marked by shyness or stage fright so intense that it interferes with an individual’s work and social life.

DEPRESSION

The usual starting dose is 20 milligrams a day taken as a single dose usually in the morning. At intervals of at least 1 week your physician may increase your dosage by 10 milligrams a day up to a maximum of 50 milligrams a day.

OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER

The usual starting dose is 20 milligrams a day typically taken in the morning. At intervals of at least 1 week your doctor may increase the dosage by 10 milligrams a day. The recommended long-term dosage is 40 milligrams daily. The maximum is 60 milligrams a day.

PANIC DISORDER

The usual starting dose is 10 milligrams a day taken in the morning. At intervals of 1 week or more the doctor may increase the dose by 10 milligrams a day. The target dose is 40 milligrams daily; dosage should never exceed 60 milligrams.

GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER

The recommended dose is 20 milligrams taken once a day usually in the morning.

SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER

The recommended dose is 20 milligrams taken once a day usually in the morning. For older adults the weak and those with severe kidney or liver disease starting doses are reduced to 10 milligrams daily and later doses are limited to no more than 40 milligrams a day. Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.

Note:

The content in this section is provided for informational purposes only. This information regarding the following Canadian drugs is not intended to replace or act as a substitute for information or advice provided by your physician. You should always consult a physician before beginning a new medication. Moreover, prescription drugs should only be obtained with a doctor's prescription.

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