Information on the antidepressant drug Paxil

Side Effects of Paxil
 
There are various side effects associated with Paxil, among which few are quite common while some others are not so. Following is a list of side effects of Paxil and within brackets is the chance of a person having that side effect in percentage terms. The most common side effects of Paxil are nausea (26%), somnolence (23%), ejaculatory disturbance (13%), other genital disorders in males (10%), sweating (11%), asthenia (15%), insomnia (13%), dizziness (13%), dry mouth (18%), constipation (14%) and tremor (12%). Some of the other common side effects of Paxil are agitation, headache, weight gain, paresthesia, and impaired memory.
 
The most common side effects generally last between the first one to four weeks of taking the drug after which the body adjusts to the drug and begins to tolerate the effects. However, if the drug is discontinued immediately after the body gets used to it, there can be withdrawal symptoms. During withdrawal the same symptoms tend to manifest themselves, but in a more severe form and generally last for more days.
 
Paxil, like any other SSRI drug will most likely show side effects, but the range of side effects may vary from patient to patient. While someone may have more than one side effect, some might have none. But that is generally quite rare. Side effects also depend on the kind of dose you have been prescribed. The lesser the dose the fewer the side effects are. The higher the dosage, the more it is likely to develop multiple side effects and severe forms of them. The side effects can increase with an increase in dosage, while they might disappear if the dosage is diminished.
 
 
Effect on Children and Adolescents
 
One of the major issues with Paxil is its effect on children and adolescents. It has been clinically established that if children and adolescents are treated with Paxil, the suicidal thoughts in them can increase sometimes by close to 3 times. This is a significant problem and should be carefully dealt with. In fact, in Europe Paroxetine drugs are suggested not to be prescribed to children. While there is no such imposition in the US, it still must be taken into account before prescribing the drug for children.
 
The Less Common Side Effects of Paxil
 
Few other side effects of Paxil are akathisi and activation syndrome, serotonin syndrome, sexual side effects in both males and females. In males, the drug has also been held responsible for sperm DNA fragmentation. Mania or hypomania can also be side effects of Paxil, and these can be serious.
 
For any less common or rare side effects it is important that you consult the doctor immediately so that the situation does not get out of hand. Sometimes the dosage might be altered, or the drug might be changed altogether.