Agoraphobia Medication Profile: Paxil

Printed in the Agoraphobia Newsletter on October 3, 2006

Paxil (Paroxetine) is an SSRI antidepressant (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor). It is prescribed mainly for depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorders, including agoraphobia.

Though the action of Paxil is technically unknown, it is thought to restore normal levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is involved in the regulation of pain, pleasure, anxiety, panic, arousal, and sleep.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that carries messages between the brain’s nerve cells. After they have delivered their message, neurotransmitters are either destroyed or absorbed by the cell that sent it in a process called reuptake. SSRIs like Paxil work to balance serotonin levels in the brain by inhibiting this reuptake process.

While Paxil can be a powerful medication when it comes to stopping panic attacks, there are some risks and drawbacks to taking it.
First, there is a long list of possible side effects. These include sleepiness, dizziness, insomnia, tremors, nervousness, headache, weakness, suicidal behavior, dry mouth, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, ejaculatory disturbances, sexual dysfunction, excessive sweating, decreased libido, and weight gain.

Though not everyone experiences all of these side effects, it is good to consider the risks before taking it.

In addition to side effects, withdrawal problems are reported more frequently with Paxil than any of the other SSRIs. Among antidepressants only Effexor (an SSNRI) causes more withdrawal problems. This may be because Paxil stays in the bloodstream a short time compared to other antidepressants (approximately 21 hours compared to 2-3 days in the case of Prozac).

Because of the possibility of withdrawal effects, you should not stop taking Paxil without consulting your doctor. If you stop taking it suddenly, this may cause withdrawal effects including headache, muscle pain, lethargy, and flu-like symptoms. It's better to taper off the drug for several weeks under the supervision of your doctor.

Some other precautions when taking Paxil include:

- Avoid activities that require alertness and coordination until you
are sure of the drug’s effects.

- Do not use alcohol while taking Paxil.

- Consult your doctor before taking another medication, herbal
medications, or over the counter drugs.

- Consult your doctor before taking if you are pregnant or
breastfeeding.

Medications like Paxil should never be considered a cure for agoraphobia or its panic and anxiety symptoms. Remember that medications simply mask symptoms while you are taking it. However, if you need short-term relief from panic attacks while you undergo therapy for agoraphobia, Paxil may be a medication you'd want to consider.

Article Source: http://www.agoraphobia.net

Stephen Price is a recovered agoraphobic. His informational Web site on agoraphobia is found at: www.agoraphobia.ws

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