Paxil CR is an FDA-approved medication that is prescribed for depression,
social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. The “CR” stands for
“controlled release” and means that after taking a Paxil CR pill, the pill will
release the medication into your body over a period of time.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorders are marked by repeated episodes of sudden acute fear and
or/anxiety, usually with no external threat to account for them. These
episodes, called panic attacks, or anxiety attacks can happen often and the
intensity increases quickly, within minutes. Some signs associated with panic
disorder are:
Fear of dying
Racing, pounding heart or
skipping heart
Sweating
Trembling and shaking
Numbness or tingling
sensations
Shortness of breath
Feeling of choking or
smothering
Chest pressure, pain, or
discomfort
Dizziness, unsteadiness,
lightheadedness or faintness
Chills or hot flashes
Nausea or an upset stomach
Feelings of being detached
from oneself or feelings of unreality
Fear of the worst happening,
losing control or going crazy
People suffering from panic disorders usually get therapy as well as take
medication.
Social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder is defined as an excessive, persistent fear of
social or performance situations. Most people feel shy, awkward, or nervous in
some situations, but they get through that moment and move on. People with
social anxiety disorder experience those feelings to such a degree and in so
many situations that their lifestyle is severely limited. Some will avoid and
social situation at all, while at the far extreme there are people who will not
even leave their homes.
Depression
Depression is defined as being a medical condition that leads to persistent
feelings of worthlessness, guilt, hopelessness, agitation, and indecisiveness.
It can also cause fatigue and loss of appetite.
Many experts believe that depression is a result of an imbalance between
neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that relay messages between nerve cells
in the brain. Paxil CR is credited with helping to regulate the balance of
serotonin, a chemical in the brain that acts as a messenger between nerve
cells.
Studies are also being done to research whether anti-depressants actually
cause depression to worsen, but to date, nothing conclusive has been found.
There is also the point that a depressed person may simply not respond to the
medication and is going deeper into depression despite the anti-depressant, not
because of it. Nonetheless, any person taking Paxil CR or any other
anti-depressant medication should be closely monitored.
Side Effects
Paxil Cr comes in 12.5mg, 25mg, and 37.5mg tablets, and in its generic form
is known as paroxetine. It is usually taken as a single daily dose in
the morning, and takes a few weeks before the medication takes full effect.
In most cases, taking Paxil CR can be taken along with other medications,
but there are some exceptions. It is important to inform your doctor of any
other pharmaceutical drugs you are taking, whether they are over-the-counter or
prescribed.
Commonly reported side effects include insomnia, dizziness, sleepiness, loss
of appetite, sweating, nausea, sexual disturbances among males, and
interestingly enough, anxiety. Approximately 18% of patients taking this drug
report experiencing dry mouth.
While Paxil CR is not addictive, there are some withdrawal symptoms that are
commonly experienced when stopping many anti-depressants. Symptoms reported
have included tingling sensations, dizziness, headaches, nausea, irritability,
vivid dreams, mood swings, and tiredness.