Ohio Paxil® Lawyers

Paxil®

What is Paxil (paroxetine hydrochloride)?

Paxil (pronounced "pack-sil") is in a class of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ("SSRI's"). It has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") for treatment of depression in adults. Although it is often prescribed for children, the FDA has not expressly approved paroxetine for children.

How does Paxil work?

As an SSRI medicine, peroxetine is an anti-depressant drug that impacts the chemicals that allow nerves in the brain to communicate with each other. These chemical messengers are called "neurotransmitters."

Generally, neurostransmitters are released by one nerve and taken up by other nerves. When neurotransmitters are released, but not taken up by other nerves, they return to the nerves that released them ("reuptake").

Many experts believe that an imbalance among the amounts of the different neurotransmitters that are released causes depression. Paroxetine works by inhibiting the reuptake of neurotransmitters, a process that is believed to reduce depression.

The risks.

Paroxitine has been linked to hyperactive behavior and mania, sweating, dizziness, seizures, sexual dysfunction, and suicidal ideation. Suicidal thoughts and actions may occur more frequent and pronounced with children.

Patients who become irritable or anxious, or have new or increased thoughts of suicide or other changes in mood or behavior should contact a health professional immediately.

Click here to read "Paxil, Suicide, and Children" by D. Andrew List

If you or a family member has taken Paxil and has experience serious side effects, please contact us immediately.