Paxil 20 mg

Overview

Paroxetine is a generic drug and an active component in the branded medication, Paxil. This branded drug acts as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor which works as an antidepressant. It is FDA-approved medicine that is administered to those patients who are experiencing mental disorders. The dosage strength imprint with PAXIL 2 0 with pink in color and oval shape identified as Paxil 20 mg in the market.

For instance, PD (panic disorder), OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), PDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), MDD (major depressive disorder), GAD (generalized anxiety disorder), and SAD (social anxiety disorder). All these disorders can be treated with the help of Paxil medicine.

It is a prescription-only medication that is generally prescribed by a healthcare professional to an adult only. This antidepressant drug is not considered a controlled substance under the Controlled Substance Act.

Dose & Dosage Strength:

1) Dose forms and its Strength

This medicine has many forms such as capsule, tablet, oral suspension and tablet ER which can be consumed orally.

Tablet Form

The tablet form of Paxil is available with the following dosage strengths such as 10mg, 20mg, 30mg and 40 mg.

Extended-Release Tablet Form

ER tablets of this drug have the following dosage strengths such as 12.5 mg, 25 mg and 37.5mg.

Capsule Form

It is available in the strength of 7.5 mg.

Oral-suspension Form

In liquid form, it is available with a dosage strength of 10mg per 5mL.

2) Administration of Dose

This anti-anxiety medicine can be taken after being prescribed by a doctor, and the dosage strength can be increased or decreased by a healthcare professional. It may vary due to the medical condition and age of the patient, and this is given below:-

Generalized Anxiety Disorder(GAD)

The treatment of GAD can be started with a minimum dose of 20 mg which can be taken one time in a day. The dose can be increased up to 60 mg.

Major Depressive Disorder(MDD)

The initial suggested dose for treating MDD is 20 mg and the maximum dose is 50 mg.

Panic Disorder(PD)

A 10 mg is a recommended dose that can be consumed by an individual who is experiencing PD. The maximum limit of the dose is 60 mg.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder(OCD)

The advised dose to treat OCD is 20 mg, which can be raised to the dosage strength of 60 mg.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD)

A person who has PTSD disorder, the suggested dose is 20 mg and its strength can be increased up to 50 mg

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder(PDD)

The starting dose is 20 mg for PDD and maximum dose limit is 50 mg.

Note: The dosage strength of Paxil is different in geriatric patients as well as for the patient who have liver and kidney problems. A dose of 10 mg is the suggested dose for these patients, which are mentioned above.

Mechanism of Action of Paxil 20 mg

The exact mechanism of action and how it works as an antidepressant is unknown yet. Paroxetine (Paxil) is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It has the potential of serotonergic activity in the brain.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which helps to regulate memory, mood, learning and cognition ability. Paxil is an SSR inhibitor drug class, which prevents the reabsorption or reuptake of serotonin in the brain. If the level of serotonin decreases, then it causes the upregulation of serotonergic receptors.

So, this drug helps to increase the concentration of serotonin in the brain and this induces antidepressant effects, and is helpful in treating PTSD, OCD, PDD, PD, SAD, GAD, and MDD.

Uses of 20 mg Paxil:

1) FDA-Approved Uses –

Paxil drug is approved for treating the following disorders:-

• Anxiety Disorders
• Depression
• Fibromyalgia
• Menopausal Hot Flashes

2) Non-approved Uses –

It is used as over-the-counter or off-label to treat these disorders.

• Separation anxiety
• Premature ejaculation
• Body dysmorphic disorder
• Social anxiety disorder (used for children)

Side Effects of Oval Paxil 2 0 Pink pill:

Common Side Effects

• Lack of appetite
• Drowsiness
• Sweating
• Stomach problem
• Blurry eyesight
• Feeling thirsty or dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Sexual disorder
• Dizziness
• Difficulty in sleeping

Uncommon or Severe Side Effects

• Irregular heartbeat or palpitation
• Hallucination
• Fever
• Tremors or shaking
• Seizures
• Twitching
• Decreased the feeling of sexual desire
• Shivering
• Ejaculation problem
• Headache
• Numbness
• Weakness of muscle causes slurred speech
• Manic syndrome
• Yawning
• Extreme sleepiness (somnolence)

Precautions:

• Patients should not take Paxil with MAO inhibitor because it may cause serotonin syndrome.
• The drug should not be discontinued without consulting a doctor. The dose should be decreased slowly.
• The medicine is not suggested for children.
• One should inform the doctor about their previous medical history before taking medicine.
• It is advised not to consume alcohol during treatment, it may make a person feel more drowsy and dizzy.