Paxil Side Effects

Paxil Information

Paxil Side Effects

The most common side effect is nausea, which can be alleviated by taking Paxil with food. Other side effects that may occur include sweating, decreased appetite, asthenia (lack of strength), dizziness, tremor, insomnia, drowsiness, nervousness, and/or decreased sexual drive. Side effects of Paxil are generally mild and temporary.

There have been indications that stopping this drug can cause quite distressing physical and psychological symptoms. According to World Health Organization data, Paxil has the highest incidence rate of withdrawal adverse of any antidepressant in the world.

It is now generally recognized that SSRIs can cause a condition called akathisia (severe inner restlessness) that in turn is associated with suicidality. In the most recent edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision ("DSM IV TR") under Differential Diagnosis it states: "Serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitor antidepressant medications may produce akathisia... Akathisia may be associated with dysphoria (restlessness, depression & anxiety), irritability, aggression, or suicide attempts."

Suicidality associated with Paxil can be the result of recent ingestion (particularly during the first few weeks of treatment initiation or dosage increase) or trying to stop the drug. There are multiple reports of suicides occurring when people are trying to get off of the drug.

It has been estimated that as many as 50% to 75% of the people taking Paxil experience dependency/withdrawal syndrome. The physical and psychological effects include the following:

Electrical 'zaps' to the brain, dizziness, extreme nausea, crying spells, light headedness, vertigo, coordination problems, gait disturbances, sweating, vomiting, high fever, abdominal discomfort, flu symptoms, agitation, tremulousness, irritability, aggression, sleep disturbance, nightmares, tremor, confusion, memory and concentration difficulties, lethargy, malaise, weakness, and general fatigue.

However, Glaxo Smith Kline, the manufacturer of Paxil maintains that Paxil is a safe and effective drug.

Paxil Information