Paxil (citalopram hydrobromide), commonly known as Celexa, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is often prescribed for depression. Paxil is a medication prescribed for both depression and other mental health conditions. It is often used to treat symptoms of depression in people with bipolar disorder, as well as people who are also taking antidepressants. Paxil can also be prescribed off-label for other conditions, such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or panic disorder.
Paxil is an SSRI that works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which helps to regulate mood and reduce the frequency of thoughts. It is often used to treat depression and anxiety and other mental health conditions. It can also be used in conjunction with other SSRIs, such as fluoxetine or citalopram, to treat depression.
While Paxil is an effective medication for depression and other mental health conditions, there are several side effects associated with it. These side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances, dizziness, nausea, and headache. These side effects are generally mild and go away on their own within a few days. However, if you experience any concerning symptoms, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider. They may adjust your dosage or recommend alternative treatments to help manage the side effects.
If you are considering Paxil to treat your depression, it is important to discuss the potential side effects with your healthcare provider. While Paxil is an effective medication for depression, it can also cause certain side effects. Some of the most common side effects associated with Paxil include:
However, if you experience severe side effects, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider. They may adjust your dosage or prescribe alternative treatments. If you are experiencing any concerning symptoms, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider. They may recommend alternative medications to help manage the side effects.
References1. Celexa. (online). Retrieved on May 26, 2025 from https://www.csp.com/med/rx_csp/celexa.html
2. Paroxetine. Retrieved on May 26, 2025 from https://www.rxpharm.com/paxil/3. Paxil. Retrieved on May 26, 2025 from https://www.rxpharm.com/paxilPaxil belongs to the group of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medicine are the most widely used of the class of SSRI's.
Paxil may be taken either alone or in combination with other medicines. Take it either before, during, or just after meal which will help to slow down your digestion of the drug. You should take it either with a heavy meal or at a time when the meal is full.
Some side effects of Paxil include:
Paxil may be taken with or without food. However, taking Paxil at the same time each day is suggested to work best for you and your doctor's advice.
It is best to take it at the same time each day and do not change it without consulting your doctor first.
The maximum dose of Paxil is 20 mg per day. If you take Paxil with or after a high fat meal, it is best to take this dose at about the same time each day.
The recommended time to take Paxil at this dosage is before having any sex, for example, if you are having a premature ejaculation or a sexual disorder, before you take the drug.
Paxil may help you to reduce your appetite. Take it as a whole, not as a pill.
It takes 1 hour to take Paxil. Take it with food, but don't take it more than 1 hour before a meal.
The medicine may not work as well if you take Paxil with a heavy meal.
The most common side effects of Paxil are headache, upset stomach, nausea and vomiting.
If you experience these side effects, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
If you suspect the drug is dangerous, call the Poison Help line at the hospital or get emergency medical help right away.
You should not take Paxil if you have had a severe allergic reaction to any medicine. You should also avoid using Paxil if you have a history of heart problems, bleeding or blood clotting problems, or if you are pregnant. Before using Paxil, you should tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements, as well as medicines you are currently using, as they may affect Paxil's efficacy.
Paxil may interact with certain drugs. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. You should also avoid using Paxil for extended periods of time, especially if you have a history of heart problems, bleeding or blood clotting problems.
Some people, particularly those with a family history of heart disease, bleeding problems, or a history of stroke, have a higher chance of experiencing side effects.
If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding, or are breast feeding, tell your doctor before taking Paxil. It is important to take Paxil during pregnancy if you are breast feeding.
Taking Paxil during pregnancy can cause harm to the fetus. You should not breastfeed while taking Paxil unless you have discussed this with your doctor. If you are planning to have a baby, you should not take Paxil while breastfeeding.
If you are taking other medicines that you are taking, including medicines you are taking, or your doctor has prescribed, tell your doctor you are taking Paxil.
Health care providers prescribe Paxil to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia, and other mental health conditions like anxiety disorders, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Depression, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a mood disorder that negatively affects how you think, behave, and feel. Untreated depression can lead to a range of emotional and physical issues. The symptoms of depression may vary from person to person. They may appear mild in some, while they can be debilitating in others.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a chronic condition that causes unwanted and uncontrollable thoughts or fears (obsessions). These obsessive thoughts lead individuals to engage in repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Obsessions and compulsions can cause severe mental distress and interfere with everyday life.
Bulimia nervosa, commonly referred to as bulimia," is a potentially life-threatening eating disorder. Those with bulimia will go through episodes of “binge eating,” where they cannot control the amount of food they eat, followed by “purging.” Bulimia, if left untreated, can lead to extremely serious medical complications—even death. Due to the cycle of binging and purging, individuals with bulimia can seriously dehydrate themselves, damage their internal organs (including the heart and kidneys), and erode the enamel of their teeth.
Premenstrual dysphoria disorder is characterized by severe symptoms at the onset of menstruation. PMDD can cause extreme mood swings, irritability, depression, and physical symptoms like breast tenderness.
Paxil is also prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. A person who suffers from an anxiety disorder may have constant feelings of worry, difficulty concentrating, and an inability to relax. If left untreated, anxiety may eventually interfere with work or school performance, personal relationships, and other daily functions.
Read more aboutUnderstanding your body is essential for taking control of your health care. Paxil works by interfering with one or more factors that influence you, such as your appetite, how you handle food, and how you respond to medications. This interferes with the absorption of paroxetine, its important to take the medication exactly as directed by your doctor. Paxil is not a cure for anxiety disorders and does not increase one’s anxiety symptoms. It is an treatment that helps individuals find a relief by stopping their anxiety symptoms from just beginning their treatment. Paxil is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
Serotonin syndrome is a potential cause of serotonin related nausea, depression, and vomiting. If left untreated, serotonin syndrome can eventually lead to the transplantation of a brain tumor. The importance of proper diagnosis and treatment is stressed over the importance of identifying and treating the most appropriate source of serotonin for you to achieve your goals.
Paxil's mode of action is to disrupt the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain. This process occurs in the brain when neurons are exposed to new chemicals. By taking a particular type of medication, Paxil disrupts this reabsorption, leading to a loss of serotonin between neurons. This loss of serotonin affects the transmission of signals between neurons, leading to nerve pain, depression, and fever.
Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include:
If you suffer from any of the aforementioned symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Paxil can cause serious medical complications if used with prescription medications that are not designed to treat them. Common prescription medication for Paxil includes Risperidone, Lamotrigine, Desvenlafaxine, Prograf, and Venlafaxine.
It’s important to note that these medications are prescription only and should not be taken by individuals under the age of 18. They should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider, and should not be given to children or adolescents under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Inform your doctor about any prescription or nonprescription medications you are taking. The combination of Paxil and other medications can lead to serious drug interactions, including beta-blockers, antifungals, antibiotics, antifungals, certain antacids, and certain vitamins.
Paxil is an antidepressant that’s widely prescribed to treat depression and anxiety disorders. The FDA has approved Paxil for use as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This medication is often used to treat both depression and anxiety disorders.
In addition to its primary indications, Paxil is also used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Paxil works by boosting the release of serotonin in the brain, which can help relieve symptoms.
Paxil is a medication that works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the brain. This neurotransmitter is a naturally occurring chemical that plays a significant role in mood regulation and emotional stability. It’s also used to treat depression, anxiety, and other conditions.
It’s commonly used to treat both depression and anxiety disorders, and it’s typically prescribed as an adjunct treatment alongside other treatment options like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Paxil works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain, which can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that’s important for regulating mood and can play a crucial role in emotional regulation.
It’s also used to treat both depression and anxiety disorders.
It’s important to note that Paxil does not have a significant effect on serotonin levels in the brain, but it can help reduce anxiety symptoms by increasing the availability of serotonin, which helps to alleviate fear and anxiety.
Paxil is an FDA-approved antidepressant medication that’s used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. This brain chemical plays a crucial role in regulating mood, emotions, and behavior, and is often prescribed to treat conditions like panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
When taken as prescribed, Paxil can improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) by reducing the amount of serotonin in the brain.
Additionally, it can be used in combination with other treatment options like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), to help manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other conditions.
Paxil is typically taken once daily in the morning, which is typically half an hour before anticipated sexual activity. It’s typically taken once daily during the day. It’s important to follow the dosing schedule strictly to avoid any potential side effects or adverse reactions.
Paxil can cause some common side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and changes in mental or mood state. These side effects are usually mild and subside once the medication is discontinued.
Serotonin syndrome is another rare but serious side effect that may occur with Paxil. It can occur when a person takes Paxil too long without proper monitoring, causing serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome can include dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, and a severe and potentially deadly condition known as serotonin syndrome. This condition can cause symptoms such as fainting, unusual sweating, and unsteadiness.