Also known by its generic name paroxetine, Paxil is an antidepressant belonging to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Paxil’s manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), has had its share of legal problems since its introduction into the market in 1992 however. One of the more notable issues was the 2003 alleged Defrauding of Medicaid which settled out of court.
Like several of the other drugs in the SSRI group, Paxil does have its set of potential side effects. The following are the more common potential side effects that Paxil has been known to cause: Anxiety; blurred vision; constipation; decreased sexual desire or ability; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; gas; increased sweating; increased urination; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; numbness or tingling of the skin; stomach upset; trouble concentrating; trouble sleeping; weakness; yawning. If you feel that you have begun to show any of these side effects it is best that you consult with your doctor as soon as you can.
Paxil is also known to potentially cause more serious side effects. Please consult with your doctor as soon as possible if any of these symptoms have begun to show themselves: Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bizarre behavior; black or bloody stools; chest pain; confusion; decreased concentration; decreased coordination; exaggerated reflexes; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; memory loss; new or worsening agitation, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, restlessness, or inability to sit still; persistent or severe ringing in the ears; persistent, painful erection; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent anxiety or trouble sleeping.
Taking Paxil with certain drugs can also lead to dangerous side effects. The drugs that should not be taken along with Paxil include: pimozide (Orap), thioridazine (Mellaril), linezolid (Zyvox), methylene blue (Urolene Blue), or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). Please also know that you must wait at least 14 days after stopping a Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor before you can take Paxil again to avoid negative drug interactions.
Please be advised of the potential problems of Paxil if you are currently taking the drugs for your signs and symptoms of depression. Paxil has been known to cause potential Paxil birth defects and several other known side effects. If you think you are suffering from a side effect of Paxil use consult with your doctor as soon as possible.
