Does Paxil Help With Anxiety And Depression Disorders
So lets examine does Paxil help with anxiety? Paxil is an antidepressant derived from the drug category SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The drug works by affecting the chemical levels in the brain that might become unbalanced. Known as paroxetine, this antidepressant is sold as Paxil, Pexeva, and Paxil CR.
Other Withdrawal Symptoms Relief Methods
In addition to the natural remedies for antidepressant withdrawal discussed above you may consider other remedies below:
- Sleep aids These medications for insomnia can help in giving you a good night sleep incase you have insomnia as one of the withdrawal symptoms. The sleep aids may be natural, prescription or over the
- Over the counter medications: Incase of acute symptoms like pain , OTC pain relievers may be used to relieve the symptoms. This also applies to other symptoms like nausea, constipation and others where OTC medications are available.
Side Effect #: You Haven’t Changed Your Diet But You’re Gaining Weight
Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications in general are often linked to weight gain, but some, including Paxil, might cause more weight gain than others, according to the Mayo Clinic. A 2014 study in the journal JAMA Psychiatry also found that, out of 11 different antidepressants, Paxil was one of two medications with the highest risk of weight gain.
1 out of every 6 adults will have depression at some time in their life.*
Researchers aren’t sure why Paxil or other antidepressants can cause weight gain, but they believe it may be linked to its effects on serotonin, which controls and regulates appetite.
If you notice an increase in your weight after starting Paxil, talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes, like eating a healthier diet and getting more exercise, or other medication options.
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Coverage And Cost Comparison Of Paxil Vs Lexapro
Paxil is a prescription medication that is typically covered by both commercial and Medicare drug plans. The out-of-pocket price for a one month supply of Paxil 20 mg can be more than $400, but with a coupon from SingleCare, you could get the generic for as low as $4 at participating pharmacies.
Lexapro is also a prescription medication that is typically covered by both commercial and Medicare drug plans. The out-of-pocket price for a 30-day supply of Lexapro 10 mg can be more than $400. SingleCare offers a coupon for generic Lexapro, which can lower the price to $8 or less.
What The Science Says
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, clinical studies of Prozac show it to be effective in managing symptoms of certain anxiety disorders like panic disorder.
There arent, however, a lot of that show Prozacs effectiveness for generalized anxiety disorder, or how it compares with other medications approved to treat symptoms of anxiety disorders.
Other SSRI
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Other Common Side Effects
Among common side effects associated with paroxetine, some mentioned in the preceeding section, are sleepiness, yawning, dry mouth, headache, upset stomach/nausea, mild mental fogginess, dizziness, appetite loss, weight gain, nervousness and occasional jitters, delayed ejaculation, and anorgasmia. More frequently than with other SSRIs, paroxetine appears to be associated with a decrease in libido and erectile dysfunction. Other common side effects include insomnia, blurred vision, occasionally increases in blood pressure, sweating, constipation, diarrhea, and feeling weak temporarily.,
How Should This Medicine Be Used
Paroxetine comes as a tablet, a suspension , a controlled-release tablet, and a capsule to take by mouth. The tablets, suspension, and controlled-release tablets are usually taken once daily in the morning or evening, with or without food. The capsules are usually taken once a day at bedtime with or without food. You may want to take paroxetine with food to prevent stomach upset. Take paroxetine at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take paroxetine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly.
Swallow the extended-release and regular tablets whole do not chew or crush them.
If you are taking paroxetine tablets, suspension, or controlled-release tablets, your doctor may start you on a low dose of paroxetine and gradually increase your dose, not more than once a week.
Paroxetine capsules contain a lower dose of paroxetine than is needed to treat depression and other forms of mental illness. Do not take paroxetine capsules to treat a mental illness. If you think you have depression or another mental illness, talk to your doctor about treatment.
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Paxil Vs Lexapro: Differences Similarities And Which Is Better For You
Drug overview & main differences | Conditions treated | Efficacy | Insurance coverage and cost comparison | Side effects | Drug interactions | Warnings | FAQ
Paxil and Lexapro are prescription medications used most commonly to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder . MDD is characterized by a low mood for two or more weeks, typically accompanied by a loss of interest in normal activities and low energy. Some patients will experience pain with no obvious source.
Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive worry about a variety of issues including money, family, health, and work. It is diagnosed once patients display this worry on more days than not for at least six months.
Paxil and Lexapro belong to a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors . Other commonly prescribed SSRIs include Prozac , Zoloft , and Celexa .
What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Paxil For Anxiety
Paxil for anxiety side effects may occasionally occur when adjusting the dosage without speaking to the doctor or taking it together with other medications or alcohol.
The most common adverse effects when taking Paxil include:
- dry mouth
- constipation
- nausea.
Like other antidepressants, Paxil may have withdrawal side effects among which are irritability, anxiety, and headache. A doctor will gradually decrease the dosage.
This medication is linked to drowsiness and blurred vision, so the patients should abstain from driving or operating heavy machinery until they know how it affects their systems.
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What Are The Advantages Of Prozac Over Paxil
Prozac is FDA approved for children eight or older. It also has a weaker potency as a serotonin inhibitor, which means it has less noticeable symptoms upon discontinuation than Paxil and many other antidepressants.
One of the major upsides of Prozac is that it seems to work better for patients with fatigue or low energy since it has a greater energizing effect than other antidepressants. However, this might not be a great option for those who have sleep difficulties. Make sure to let your provider know if you often feel fatigued or low energy when deciding a course of treatment.
Can You Use Mirtazapine For Anxiety
Currently, Mirtazapine is approved for treating major depressive disorders, but the unique dual mechanism of action has led many to wonder about potential alternative uses.
Mirtazapine was found to perform better than placebos at treating generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder, which are debilitating disorders causing an individual to lose their quality of life.
While more studies are needed to determine if the medication is useful, initial results show that individuals saw a significant reduction in their symptoms of anxiety. These results are promising for less-addictive alternatives when it comes to treating anxiety.
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Learn More About Medications For Depression
A wide range of medications are used to treat depression, from modern SSRIs like paroxetine to older depression medications such as TCAs and MAOIs.
If youve been diagnosed with depression, an anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder or one of several other conditions, your healthcare provider may recommend paroxetine as a treatment option.
In other cases, your healthcare provider may recommend a different medication. Our guide to medications for depression goes into more detail on the antidepressants that are currently available, as well as the unique advantages, disadvantages and side effects of each class of medication.
Other Uncommon Side Effects
Concerns with use of paroxetine include not only increased thoughts of aggression or suicide but also hypomanic/manic mood, abnormal dreams, rash, muscle pain, muscle weakness, electric shooting sensations, heart palpitations, feeling flushed, tingling sensations, and fasciculations. Again, the 2004 FDA black box warning eventually placed on all antidepressants indicated a two-fold increase in suicidal ideation and aggression in patients under the age of 24, especially in adolescents and children.,, On December 22, 2006, a U.S. court decided in Hoorman et al. v. SmithKline Beecham Corporation that individuals who purchased Paxil or Paxil CR for a minor child possibly were eligible for benefits under a $63.8 million Proposed Settlement. The lawsuit won the claim that GlaxoSmithKline promoted Paxil and Paxil CR for prescription to children and adolescents while withholding and concealing material information about the medications safety and effectiveness for minors.,,,
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What Are The Side Effects Of Lexapro And Paxil
Lexapro
Common side effects associated with Lexapro include:
- agitation or restlessness,
- sexual difficulties ,
- taste alterations, tremor , and
- weight changes.
Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in short-term studies in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of Lexapro or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared with placebo in adults beyond 24 years of age. There was a reduction in risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared with placebo in adults 65 years of age and older. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients who are started on therapy with antidepressants should be closely observed for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior.
Other side effects include influenza-like symptoms and pain in neck or shoulders.
Although changes in sexual desire, sexual performance, and sexual satisfaction often occur as a result of depression itself, they also may be a consequence of the drugs used to treat depression. In particular, about one in 11 men given Lexapro report difficulties ejaculating.
Possible serious side effects of Lexapro include:
- Serotonin syndrome
Frequently Asked Questions About Paxil
Does Paxil cause weight gain?
Paxil can cause weight gain in some people. It can also cause loss of appetite. Weight changes are usually minor for most people . If you notice an excessive change in weight after starting Paxil , let your healthcare provider know.
How long does it take Paxil to work?
While some people will feel effects within a week or two, many people will not feel any change for about 6 weeks after starting Paxil . In some cases, it can take 12 weeks or longer for you to see its full effects, so don’t be discouraged if you’re not feeling an improvement right away. Talk to your healthcare provider to understand more about the treatment course with Paxil .
Is Paxil the same as Xanax?
No. You might experience some of the same side effects while taking Xanax or Paxil , but the two medications belong to different medication classes. Paxil is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor , while Xanax is a benzodiazepine. They work on different chemicals in your brain related to mood and anxiety.
When is the best time of day to take Paxil ?
Paxil can cause insomnia for some people, and sleepiness for others. If you notice you feel sleepy after taking your dose, take it at bedtime. If you notice Paxil makes it difficult to fall asleep, take it in the morning. Just be sure to take it around the same time every day for the most consistent results.
Can Paxil get you high?
Euphoria is not a common side effect of Paxil .
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Interactions Between Paxil And Other Medications
Paxil may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Paxil . Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Bepridil
Only been on it a month. Feel like it’s helping with anxiety with kind of a numbing, don’t care effect. Some sexual side effects: difficulty maintaining erection and difficulty reaching ejaculation. I seem to be sleeping better since I’ve been taking it, but I can’t really be certain it’s because of this medication.
Cannabidiol & Medical Marijuana
Lets address the skeptics here first, but also look at the big picture in an unbiased way. We clearly need more research on this topic. Marijuana can clearly be addictive for some. Our society has had a puritanical basis against marijauna research in the past. Its clearly safer on average than alcohol and benzos in terms of overdose and fatality. Typically, overdose on these products has not ever been described as fatal. Only very recently has a coroner said there may have been a fatal overdose on marijuana. Even if this is not an accurate report, with the legalization of marijuana and development of higher potency strains, it would not surprise me that this does occur in time. But for now, in the big picture, the #1 drug that kills in our society is nicotine, and alcohol is #2.
The mechanism of action here concerns the endocannabinoid system in the human body. Like the other classes of medicines discussed, the exact mechanism is not completely understood. This can have various different effects including reducing seizures, anxiety, and gastrointestinal symptoms. The first ever CBD product was approved last year for severe seizure disorders.
I tend to refer my patients to someone who specializes in medical marijuana and CBD when other classes of medications like antidepressants have failed them.
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The Need For Comprehensive Treatment
Paxil can be a useful tool in addiction treatment for many people. Supervising physicians, in conjunction with the entire treatment team at a rehabilitation center, will make the decision regarding use of Paxil for specific clients. Medications like Paxil are only one aspect of addiction treatment they should be used in conjunction with comprehensive therapy to ensure the best chances of sustained recovery.