Paxil: Depression Or Good Mood?

Why Paxil can be Depressing

Paxil is primarily used as an antidepressant. It functions to balance serotonin levels in the brain responsible for elated feelings and pleasure. The higher production of serotonin, the better the mood of the individual. However during treatment, Paxil may cause users to have suicidal ideations and worsening depression.

These usually occur during the early stages as neurotransmitter and chemical levels in the brain are still primed. It is normal to experience changes in mood and thoughts at varying degrees during the first 4 weeks but all symptoms should be reported and not last longer than 4 weeks.

Worsening Depression Signs

Watch out for the following manifestations since these are usually indicative of worsening depression. These are absolutely abnormal and should be reported immediately to a physician. Difficulty sleeping due to nightmares and vivid dreaming, visual and auditory hallucinations, panic attacks, extreme feelings of worthlessness, thoughts that tell the individual to hurt himself or others, suicidal thoughts, euphoria, extreme restlessness and complete displeasure or disinterest in sex are not normal side effects.

Why can Depression Get Worse with Paxil?

Paxil can interact with various drugs like thioridazine, MAOIs like isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline and tranylcypromine and pimozide. Taking the drug simultaneously with those known to produce adverse effects can cause serotonin levels in the brain to go very low thus spurring severely depressed thoughts and feelings.

Just like other drugs, overdosing can actually cause a reversal of effects so instead of Paxil working as an antidepressant, it then worsens the condition. Since it is an SSRI, it should be discontinued gradually in order to avoid withdrawal syndrome. During withdrawal, the person may also exhibit feelings of worthlessness and anxiety but never depression.

What to Tell Your Doctor

Tell your doctor all your present conditions as well as all the substances and drugs you are taking at the moment. All side effects and other observations upon taking paroxetine should also be reported as well for evaluation. Mood changes are expected at certain degrees and you may want to as for referrals regarding psychotherapy groups that can help support your current medication regimen.

Allergies, history of seizures, liver or kidney disease and manic depression should also be indicated before starting the drug. Monitor your progress and keep a record of your medication regimen to know when certain symptoms arose and when you missed or took a new drug. Recording will help you determine which factors may have caused an unusual reaction.

How to Take Paxil Safely

Only take Paxil in the recommended dosage. If you missed taking the drug in the specified time, take one immediately but never double the dosage to compensate. Also do not take the medication longer than prescribed.

Your doctor is the best person to talk to about Paxil-depression. Visit him regularly as he might want to change the dosage temporarily for better results. Swallow the pill fully with water and never crush, chew or inhale it. The dosage needs to be very accurate so make use of a calibrated medicine cup. Discontinue the drug only if advised and only through the right withdrawal process.