"What are the side effects of Paxil?"

Perhaps you have already heard the buzz. The concerns are growing about the side effects of Paxil. Here we will list some of the troubling incidents, the common side effects and some exciting solutions.

First of all, what are the common side effects of Paxil?

Common side effects include:

• drowsiness

• sleepiness

• nausea

• upset stomach

• dry mouth

• constipation

• diarrhea

• decrease of sexual desire and delayed orgasm

• complete elimination of sexual desire and orgasm

• rash

• restlessness or akathisia

• itch

• sodium depletion

• changes in urination

• usually increases or suppresses appetite

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms you should contact your doctor immediately:

• jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms

• fever, chills, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms

• yellowing of the skin or eyes "Are there sexual side effects of Paxil?"

For some people the sexual side effects of Paxil and other SSRIs can persist for a very long time after quitting the drugs, sometimes for many years. For some people the sexual side effects of Paxil (or SSRIs) DO NOT GO AWAY AFTER QUITTING THE DRUGS. As a result, there are online support groups for this problem.

"Are there birth defects associated with Paxil?"

Researchers have found that taking Paxil in the first three months of pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in a December 2005 news release.

"FDA is advising patients that this drug should usually not be taken during pregnancy, but for some women who have already been taking Paxil, the benefits of continuing may be greater than the potential risk to the fetus," the agency said.

The FDA recommends that expectant mothers who are taking -- or considering taking -- Paxil and similar antidepressants discuss with their doctors the potential risks and benefits.

In September 2005 the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia led the way and issued a warning about the potential for increased birth defects in the babies of pregnant women taking the anti-depressant Paroxetine (Paxil). Early results from pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline suggest an association between taking the drug in the first three months of pregnancy and birth defects. The risk of cardiovascular defects may double from 1 to 2 per cent in babies of women taking Paroxetine (Paxil). A recent Dutch study suggests a 60 per cent increase in defects. The TGA is urging women not to suddenly stop taking the SSRI as withdrawal may cause harmful side effects.

"Is suicide included in the list of side effects of Paxil?"

Paxil’s manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline admits: “There has been a long-standing concern that antidepressants may have a role in inducing worsening of depression and the emergence of suicidality in certain patients. Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in short-term studies in children and adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders.”

In one highly publicized case against Paxil, a man killed his wife and children and then himself after taking Paxil for two days. Attorneys argued that he experienced a reaction to Paxil known as "akathisia" which has been described as wanting to "jump out of your skin". This feeling can lead patients to commit impulsive violence and suicide. The jury ultimately awarded damages of $8 million against GlaxoSmithKline, its manufacturer.

One former Paxil user wrote: “It is now over one month since I stopped using Paxil and I am starting to feel better but it has been a long haul. I still experience some zapping and occassional headaches but nothing was as bad as I felt for the 8 weeks that I was on Paxil and the first 2 weeks off of Paxil. My concentration is still not quite back but I do see some improvement.

I am still very angry but I also know that is something I want to hold onto so that I can remember my terrible ordeal on this drug and to let others know to investigate before using any prescribed drugs. I wish I had done my homework before hand, I would never had taken Paxil if I had.

Thank you for posting my experience on your web site, I hope others will read it and realize that there are many side effects to this drug and one may not feel all the things I went through but it does give one the notion have dangerous this drug can be. God Bless you for the work you are doing to help others realize that natural is the best to use any medication.”

Here is a video clip from ABC News on Paxil...

"So, what should you do if you are suffering from the side effects of Paxil?"

1. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing side effects from using Paxil. (Do not stop taking Paxil on your own).

2.

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