Paxil
Do you live with anxiety or depression and want to know about your options for prescription medications to help reduce your symptoms? Paxil is a popular drug used by many to help treat anxiety disorders and depression, but before beginning any medication, people have questions. How does Paxil work? We explore this and answer other questions about Paxil to help you get informed about your options for mental healthcare. Peachtree Wellness Solutions provides outpatient and residential treatment programs to help people get control of their anxiety and depression. We include both multi-disciplinary therapy modalities and options for effective prescription medications.
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What is Paxil?
Answering the question, “How does Paxil work?” begins with understanding what the drug is all about. Paxil is the brand name for an anti-depressant drug called paroxetine hydrochloride available by prescription and taken orally. It is available in tablet, capsule, and liquid form. No one should begin taking Paxil without first consulting with a doctor or mental health counselor who can assess their condition and decide if Paxil is a good match for them. The usage should be monitored by the prescriber, and the medication should be taken as prescribed.
What is Paxil Used For?
Paxil is used to treat several types of mental health disorders. An assessment by a physician or mental health counselor can determine which mental illness a person has and which medication may be right for them. Common mental health disorders that often respond well to Paxil include:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Major depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Is Paxil Addictive?
Because taking Paxil does not cause euphoria or a sense of being high, it is not classified as a physically addictive drug. A person may develop a psychological reliance on it and end up increasing the amount they take without instructions from the prescribing physician. When this happens, they may feel “addicted” to it, but not have physical withdrawal signs if not taking it.
How Does Paxil Work?
A person’s brain naturally produces chemicals that cause them to experience joy and contentment and sleep well. When the production of the neurotransmitter called serotonin is interrupted, the person can develop feelings of anxiety and/or depression. Classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, Paxil helps increase the amount of serotonin a person produces. This, in turn, helps alleviate symptoms common with depression and anxiety.
Paxil vs Lexapro
Both Paxil and Lexapro are SSRI drugs and are used to treat anxiety and depression. The beginning dosage of Paxil prescribed is typically 20mg per day, whereas the beginning dosage for Lexapro is between 10-30mg. For many, Paxil reaches its full effectiveness more quickly than Lexapro. As well, Lexapro can prove more effective at helping to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder than Paxil.
Paxil vs Prozac
Both Paxil and Prozac are SSRI drugs used to treat anxiety, depression, OCD, and other conditions. Prozac can be prescribed for people aged eight and older, whereas Paxil is only available for those 18 and up. Additionally, some people find that Prozac helps with symptoms of bulimia nervosa. Paxil is taken daily, while Prozac is available as a delayed-release capsule taken once a week.
Paxil vs Celexa
Both Paxil and Celexa are SSRI drugs. While similar in the range of dosages prescribed, Celexa is used only to treat depression, while Paxil can help address both depression and anxiety.
How Long Does Paxil Take to Work for Anxiety?
Part of understanding the answer to the question, “How does Paxil work?” is knowing how long after beginning the drug a person can expect it to take effect. The answer varies per person, but most people feel the beginning effects of the medication after one to two weeks. After four to six weeks, they should feel the full effects. If not, the individual should discuss their results with their prescriber.
How Long Does Paxil Take to Work for Depression?
Similar to how quickly Paxil works for anxiety, most people taking it can expect to feel the beginning effects after one to two weeks. The full effects should happen within four to six weeks. If not, the person should speak to their prescriber about their results.
How Long Does Paxil Stay in Your System?
How does Paxil work in terms of the length of time it stays in your system? The half-life of Paxil is 21 hours, which is how long it takes the body to metabolize and eliminate the drug. However, it can take about five days to fully eliminate the medication from a person’s system.
Find Mental Health Treatment Today
Have you dealt with the discomfort of living with anxiety or depression and have questions like, “How does Paxil work?” Our friendly staff at Peachtree Wellness Solutions is happy to talk to you about your diagnosis and explain the options we provide for medication. We also offer several types of therapy in both our residential and outpatient programs that help people address and overcome symptoms of anxiety and depression. We believe in empowering you to rise above your limitations and enjoy improved mental health.
Would you like to talk about how the right medication can help treat your anxiety disorder or depression? Contact us now and let’s discuss how our program can change your life.
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