Side Effects of Quitting Paxil

Paxil is the brand name for the prescription drug paroxetine hydrochloride. Paxil was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993 for the treatment of a number of mental disorders including depression, certain anxiety disorders, panic disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder and post traumatic stress disorder. As with all medications there is some danger of side effects associated with the use of Paxil. Ceasing to use Paxil may also trigger adverse side effects.

Size

Paxil is a brand of pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline. Between 1999 and 2009 more than 70 million people have had the drug prescribe to treat a variety of disorders. The drug generates approximately $3 billion in revenue.

Identification

Paxil belongs to a class of drugs known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) which work by affecting the brain's serotonin receptors. Although Paxil has been shown to produce side effects in some patients, most side effects are considered to be mild. Common side effects include feelings of anxiety, blurry vision, some digestive issues such as constipation or diarrhea, dry mouth, decreased sexual desire, insomnia and others. If these symptoms persist or become troublesome, patients are advised to consult their physician.

Warning

Quitting Paxil or any SSRI can have serious health repercussions and should only be done under a physician's care. Effects of discontinuing the use of Paxil may include anxiety, fatigue, vertigo, dizziness, cramps, chill and headaches among other symptoms. According to clinical studies, the most common side effect of discontinuing Paxil was somnolence or extreme sleepiness.

Legal

Lawsuits have been filed against GlaxoSmithKline over alleged side effects of quitting Paxil. Some lawsuits, including one in California, stem from the perception that the pharmaceutical company did not adequately warn patients regarding the potentially serious side effects of quitting the drug.

Effects

Recent clinical trials reported by GlaxoSmithKline indicate support for a tapered phase out of the drug rather than abrupt discontinuation. By gradually weaning patients off of the drug adverse side effects were minimized. Reported side effects included dizziness, abnormal dreams and tingling of the hands or feet.

Resources

• Physicians Desk Reference