What is Paxil?
Paxil (paroxetine) is prescription medication, in a class known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitors (more commonly known as "SSRIs"). Paxil was marketed by its maker, SmithKline Beecham (now GlaxoSmithKline, or simply "GSK"), in 1992, with indications for the treatment of adults suffering from generalized anxiety disorder ("GAD"); obsessive-compulsive disorder ("OCD"); panic disorder ("PD"); social anxiety ("SA"); and, most-specifically, major depression disorder ("MDD").
Since its emergence into the psychotropic pharmaceutical market, Paxil (and GSK's other forms of paroxetine, such as Paxil CR) have been further indicated for treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder ("PTSD"); social phobia/social anxiety disorder; and, premenstrual dysphoric disorder ("PMDD"); but, it has also been prescribed for unapproved/off-label treatment of such conditions as premature ejaculation; insomnia; diabetic neuropathy; chronic tension headaches; and, even, compulsive gambling.
Despite being perceived as a drug with such a wide range of prescription, it has been vehemently argued by multiple medical communities, such as the America College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists that, pregnant women, and those considering becoming pregnant, should avoid using Paxil, due to the nearly doubling of the potential for birth defects in those infants born to mothers who took Paxil during pregnancy.
How does Paxil Work?
The mechanism of Paxil's efficacy is akin to other SSRIs, in that, by inhibiting the neurotransmitter serotonin's re-uptake by the presynaptic cell in the neurological process, it thereby increases the volume of serotonin in the synaptic cleft (the area between the nerves), which leaves it available for the postsynaptic receptor instead. This process, theoretically, affects the neurological process by increasing the amount of serotonin transmitted, and thereby decreasing, among other things, depression, which has been, by some, identified as a symptom of inadequate serotonin transmission in neurological processes.
What are the Side-Effects of Paxil?
The general, common, side-effects of Paxil, like other SSRIs, include, but are not limited to:
- nausea;
- asthenia (weakness);
- sweating;
- insomnia;
- dry mouth;
- constipation;
- tremors;
- high blood pressure;
- headache;
- agitation;
- impaired memory;
- akathisia (restless leg syndrome);
- paresthesia (tingling, or pricking numbness);
- somnolence (drowsiness);
- sexual side-effects (such as decreased desire);
- significant weight gain;
- Mania (a highly excited state of mind, marked by delusional or fanciful thoughts);
- hypomania (an extreme form of mania);
- activation syndrome;
- increased risk of suicidal thoughts; and,
- increased risk of self-harm.
Most startling though, are the side-effects potentially suffered by the unborn children of women who have been prescribed, and taken Paxil during their pregnancy, which, include Cardiovascular defects.
In fact, studies have shown that infants exposed to Paxil, while in utero, have almost double the chance of being born with a congenital, cardiovascular birth defect, when compared to those not exposed.
Legal Help for Paxil Victims
If you or a loved one have used Paxil and believe that you or your child suffered medical injuries as a result, contact a Paxil Attorney at the Finz firm now at (855) TOP-FIRM or complete the Free Paxil Case Evaluation form to find out how the Finz law firm can help you.
