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PAXIL
Paxil is drug that is administered by oral routes for the treatment of depression. It is classified as a psychotropic drug. Paxil is the registered product of GlaxoSmithKline. It is available as both tablets and as suspension. Care should be exercised if this drug is prescribed as prolonged use to treat depression through antidepressants carry the risk of suicidal behavior especially in the younger generations. This risk is significantly lesser in older people above the age of 65 years.
Brand Name: PAXIL
Generic Name: Paroxetine hydrochloride
Indications for Use
Being a psychotropic drug, Paxil is indicated in the treatment of the following conditions:
- Major Depressive Disorder – A form of depression where the depressive mood is present everyday for a period of more than a fortnight of which some symptoms include lack of appetite, sleep, and sexual interest, increased tiredness, feeling of worthlessness, less concentration and suicidal tendencies.
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder –A disorder where the person experiences obsession and compulsion that affects their day to day life.
- Panic Disorder – A disorder where the person has unanticipated feeling of panic which further sets in the apprehension of having more attacks.
- Social anxiety Disorder – A disorder where the person has discernible and relentless fear about a social circumstance where the person has to face up with strangers and their inquiries.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder – A disorder where the person gets anxious to situations of day to day life that usually does not elicit such a response in a normal person. The persistent anxiety is present for a period of more than six months and is difficult to curb by the patient themselves.
- Post traumatic Stress Disorder – A disorder originating from the exposure of the person to a traumatic episode resulting in the feeling of fear and terror.
Dosage for Use
The drug is available for use as four strengths, starting from 10mg, 20mg, 30mg and 40mg and the suspension in strengths of 10mg/ 5ml. Being a controlled drug, this is not available without a prescription from a qualified doctor.
The dosage of Paxil is dependent on the condition it is being used for. Whatever the recommended dose, it is consumed as a single once a day dose in the morning either before or after food. Any increase in the dosage is done on a gradual basis with only one change being effected in the period of a week. After the initial therapy, the maintenance dose is usually the lowest dose at which the drug is effective.
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