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Health

Paxil

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Paxil preparation (synonyms - Paroxetine, Paroxetine hydrochloride, Paroxin, Adapepress, Aktaparoxetine, Seroxat, Rexetin, etc.) refers to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors - antidepressants of the SSRIs group.

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Indications Paxil

Indications for the use of this medication are such depressive states and mental disorders as:

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Release form

Form release: coated tablets of 20 mg (blister).

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Pharmacodynamics

The principle of the effect of Paxil, like all preparations of the SSRIs group, is based on the theory of the onset of depression due to a deficiency of the monoamine transmitter of the central nervous system of serotonin in the interneuronal synapses that conduct nerve impulses. The mechanism of the therapeutic effect of Paxil is due to the ability of the active substance of the drug - paroxetine hydrochloride - to selectively stop the reuptake of serotonin by presynaptic neurons that secrete it.

As a result, in the synaptic gap between the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes, the level of free serotonin is significantly increased. This stimulates the serotonin receptors of the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, and the increase in serotonergic activity leads to timoanaleptic and sedative effects - improving mood, sleep and cognitive functions in depressive states and mental disorders, including suicidal thoughts.

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Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of Paxil (paroxetine hydrochloride) is non-linear, that is, increasing its dose leads to a disproportionate increase in the level of the drug in the blood. But long-term use of the drug does not cause a cumulative effect.

After taking Paxil inside, it is absorbed from the digestive tract; up to 96% of the active substance actively binds to blood plasma proteins.

Paxil (paroxetine hydrochloride) is transformed in the liver to inactive metabolites, which are excreted through the kidneys. The average half-life is 15-24 hours. After 6-7 days after the beginning of regular intake of this drug, its equilibrium concentration is reached. It should be noted that the level of Paxil concentration in patients aged 65 years and over can be much higher than in younger patients.

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Dosing and administration

The standard single dose of Paxil is one tablet (20 mg); The tablet is taken whole once a day - in the morning, regardless of food.

If the treatment does not give positive results, the doctor can increase the dose to 40-50 mg per day, increasing the dosage by 10 mg per week. The optimal duration of the treatment course is 4 months.

With the withdrawal of Paxil, the dose should be reduced gradually - 10 mg per week.

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Use Paxil during pregnancy

Use Paksil during pregnancy is allowed only in exceptional cases - according to the prescription of the doctor and under his supervision. In late pregnancy Paksil is strictly contraindicated.

Contraindications

Paxil is contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity to paroxetine, at the age of 18, to women during lactation, and to patients taking drugs with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (tryptophan, pimozide, thioridazine, etc.).

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Side effects Paxil

Among the side effects of Paxil are: nausea, vomiting, headaches, lowering blood pressure, tachycardia, sleep disorders, loss of appetite, anxiety and anxiety, decreased libido, impotence.

Taking Paxil can also be accompanied by dry mouth, increased sweating, facial swelling, fainting, seizures, weight gain, problems with stool.

There is a possibility of the manifestation of "serotonin syndrome", which is expressed in such symptoms as overexcitation, abnormal behavior, confusion, involuntary jerking of the muscles of the limbs, fever. In this case, an urgent call of a doctor is needed.

In addition, during the first weeks of therapy, the patient may develop suicidal thoughts, for this reason, his condition should be constantly monitored.

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Overdose

Overdose of Paxil leads to nausea, vomiting, dizziness, convulsions, urinary retention, cardiac arrhythmia. Maybe a coma. There is no special antidote against paroxetine hydrochloride. The measures to eliminate the effects of an overdose consist of rinsing the stomach, causing vomiting and taking adsorption agents.

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Interactions with other drugs

Interactions Paxil with other drugs are as follows:

  • It is incompatible with antidepressants-MAO inhibitors (monoamine oxidase),
  • application simultaneously with preparations of St. John's wort, tramadol, lithium, dextromethorphan and dihydroergotamine leads to "serotonin syndrome"
  • enhances the effect of drugs containing ethyl alcohol,
  • increases the duration of bleeding with the simultaneous use of anticoagulant drugs.

Paxil can be used concurrently with anticonvulsants and hypnotics (according to indications).

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Storage conditions

Optimum storage conditions Paxil is not accessible to children, protected from light, at temperatures from +18 to +28 ° C.

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Shelf life

Shelf life is three years from the date of issue.

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Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Paxil" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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