Paxil Side Effects

Having a baby is any woman’s momentous celebration. But, it is not always one where happiness brims over. Antepartum and postpartum depression afflicts a sizable percentage of women according to The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ( ACOG). Depression could kick in to an estimated 14%-23% of women during pregnancy and between 5%-25% after giving birth.

The symptoms differ from woman to woman but among the common ones are anger or irritability, fear or guilt, lack of interest in the baby, lack of appetite, insomnia or any other sleep disorder, difficulty concentrating and or making decisions, and one may entertain thoughts of harming the baby or oneself. These are symptoms that are easily passed off as hormonal imbalance that is normal in any pregnancy.

Depression is a biological illness that involves changes in brain chemistry. If the condition is left untreated, it could pose risks not just on the health of the mother but on the baby’s as well. Research studies have indicated that women who are depressed are likely to turn to smoking and drugs. In addition, severe cases of depression are linked to certain birth complications such as preeclampsia, premature birth, and low birth weight . Based on studies conducted, depression getting no proper treatment, adversely affects the baby's cognitive, brain, and motor skills development, and can likely cause mental health and behavioral problems with older children.

The first line of treatment for depression include psychotherapy and antidepressant medication. `Treatment of depression is mainly focused on psychotherapy and antidepressant medication. However, other forms of treatment such as bright morning light therapy, acupuncture, and exercise are being considered to expand therapeutic options. Screening of expecting women for depressive ailments is considered important by ACOG to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and her baby.

Most pregnant women prefer a non-drug treatment option for their depression, though they are at times, made to choose the lesser of two evils. Should they gamble on the possibility of birth defects and take antidepressants? Or should they forgo drug medication and risk a relapse? Medical experts believed that risks of antidepressants while real, are considerably low vis-à-vis the negative effects of untreated depression on pregnant women.

Debates and deliberation are ongoing regarding the efficacy and safety of antidepressants. The safety of such drugs remains a paramount issue to many. Mitchell Mathis, M.D. of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had pegged the response rate of patients to prescribed antidepressants at approximately 60 to 70. There are certain risks though for pregnant women. An advisory issued by FDA affirmed studies revealing the serious side effects associated with Paxil taken during pregnancy. The Paxil birth defects had triggered the agency to reclassify the risk of drug from category C to D.

URL References

• acog.org/About_ACOG/News_Room/News_Releases/2010/Perinatal_and_Postpartum_Depression_a_Top_Priority
• mayoclinic.com/health/antidepressants/DN00007
• gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm095980.htm

Medicines are made to alleviate the signs and symptoms of diseases, but they also have with them side effects that may or may not be serious. Some people may experience tolerable side effects while some may not be as fortunate. Having their own collection of side effects, antidepressants can be hard to bear. Introduced by GlaxoSmithKline in 1992 for depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders, Paxil has become a leading antidepressant in the market. Although there are many reports about the bad side effects of antidepressants, there is one study that has seen antidepressant as a means of curing Methamphetamine addiction.

Side effects in taking Paxil can be differentiated into two types; the common side effects and the severe or serious side effects. Blurred vision, upset stomach, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, yawning and loss of appetite may be experienced by some people as common side effects for Paxil. Others have also stated that they have felt nervous, tingling of the skin, decrease in libido, gas and nausea. All of the symptoms above were the common complaints of people taking Paxil.

The severe neurologic side effects of Paxil are as follows: worsening of depression, decrease in coordination and concentration, strange behavior or worsening mood changes, memory loss, hallucinations, and seizures, persistence of severe anxiety, severe headache, fainting and suicidal ideations. Some people taking Paxil under the age of 24 have reported thinking of suicidal thoughts. Other severe side effects that need to be reported immediately are ringing in the ears, unusual swelling or bone pain, continuous painful erection, sore throat, bloody stools, blistering or swollen skin and significant weight loss. Allergic reactions are reported immediately to the doctor especially if there is chest pain, difficulty of breathing, swelling and also irregular heartbeat. Pregnant women must also check with their doctor before taking Paxil because it is known for causing birth defects.

There may be some side effects that are not included in the list due to that it’s not that common or may not have been reported, so it would still be best to immediately contact your doctor. Paxil birth defects are a growing concern and most women with children having this problem is now filing cases against GlaxoSmithKline.

URL References:

• drugs.com/sfx/paxil-side-effects.html
• panicdisorder.about.com/od/treatments/a/paxil.htm

Anxiety is a normal human reaction that we all feel once in a while. This is also called worry or angst. We usually feel anxious when we are in a situation where we feel like we can’t control. Unpleasant feelings of dread, worry or fear are usually felt. There are many reasons why people feel anxious and one of them is medications. The antidepressant Paxil can cause anxiety and it is listed as its common side effect. Other than that, Paxil belongs to SSRI antidepressants which can cause possible sexual dysfunction to those who take the medication.

When felt in excess, anxiety can turn into a disorder. Anxiety is then referred to as a general term for disorders which can cause feelings of nervousness, apprehension, fear and intense worrying. Several specific types fall under it and some of the common ones are mentioned below.

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD is characterized by excessive worrying. This is usually chronic and long-standing with the person worrying over the most mundane things. GAD sufferers are viewed as “worrywarts” because they have the tendency to exaggerate their worries. It is difficult for them to control their anxiety once it sets in.

• Phobia

A phobia may be defined as an irrational fear to an object or situation. Phobia has similar symptoms with GAD. However unlike GAD, the stimulus for the reaction is known and the cause is specific. The individual with a specific phobia usually has an unnecessary reaction to the trigger and cannot control the anxiety resulting from it. There are a number of phobias that are known in the medical community. One example is claustrophobia which is the fear of being in an enclosed space.

• Panic Disorder

This anxiety disorder will involve sudden and brief attacks of intense terror. The sufferer would often experience shaking, dizziness, nausea and breathing difficulties. Panic attacks may be from a little over a minute or may last up to hours and usually, they are abrupt. Precipitating factors may include chronic stress and frightening experiences but on some occasions, it could also be spontaneous.

• Separation Anxiety

This is characterized by intense feelings of anxiety because the individual is separated from a person or place that he/she feels strongly secured. Separation anxiety usually involves toddlers and school-age children. This condition may be resolved over time or it might have a long term effect on the child. Some conditions such as Paxil birth defects may affect the child’s health while growing up.

Paxil is a popular antidepressant which is manufactured anddistributed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Every year thousands of people use Paxilwithout any adverse side effects. There are however, many Paxil users who wouldlike to know what are the possible side effects of Paxil use?

To date the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)and several other organizations have done studies on the potential side effectsof Paxil. The potential sexual side effects that these studies have shown thatPaxil may cause include:

Sex Drive or Orgasm Problems

The clinical studies that were done documented a decreasedsex drive (also known as libido) occurred in up to 15 percent of men takingPaxil. The studies have also shown that women who have been taking Paxil alsosuffer from decrease in libido; up to 9 percent of women in these studiesreported a decrease. The studies have also shown that up to 9 percent of womentaking Paxil were shown having problems with orgasms.

Impotence

Impotence can be defined as the inability to achieveerection, an inconsistent ability to have one, or a tendency to sustain onlybrief erections. In studies, impotence occurred in up to 9 percent of men takingPaxil. It was most common in men with obsessive-compulsive disorder orpost-traumatic stress disorder.

Priapism

Priapism is one of the more rare potential side effects ofPaxil. Priapism can be defined as a painful erection of the penis that does notgo away, even after sexual intercourse or masturbation. If left untreated, itcan lead to permanent damage to the penis. If there is a possibility that youare showing symptoms of Priapism, consult with your doctor immediately.

Paxil usually is given to people for their signs andsymptoms of depression. However, like many other prescription drugs Paxil maypotentially cause adverse side effects and even Paxil Birth Defects. If you arethinking about starting Paxil for your signs and symptoms of depression, consultwith your doctor first.

Septal defect is a heart deformity wherein a hole is found in the wall separating the left and right chambers. It is a congenital heart defect and has two kinds, the atrial septal defect and the ventricular septal defect. The location of the hole determines the kind of septal defect. An opening in the wall (septum) separating the upper chambers (atria) of the heart is found in atrial septal defect. On the other hand, an opening in the wall in the lower chambers (ventricle) of the heart is found in ventricular septal defects. Genetics and effects of drug, like Paxil side effects, taken during pregnancy are only some of the many reasons associated with the condition.

Atrial septal defects (ASD) account for 9 percent of congenital heart defects. It can further be classified into 3 depending on the site of the hole. Manifestations vary depending on how big the hole is and where it is situated. Generally, the condition is asymptomatic wherein children feels well, grows and gains weight normally just like any child. But a bigger hole and a more rigorous ASD can cause poor weight gain, decreased tolerance to exercise, frequent upper respiratory tract infections, poor growth, shortness of breath, and poor appetite on children. ASDs are not always diagnosed early in life. The murmur associated with ASD is not as loud and can be harder to hear than other heart murmurs so it may be diagnosed any time between infancy and adolescence. Serious complications may arise as the child grows older if the condition remains untreated. Fortunately, ASD may be discovered even before the onset of symptoms. Cardiologist suggests that closure of the hole be done as soon as possible.

Ventricular septal defects, the most common type of CHD, account for approximately 25% of all congenital heart defects. The degree of seriousness of the symptoms is based on the size of the hole. VSDs with small holes are asymptomatic and have a high rate of spontaneous closure during the first year of life. A loud heart murmur produced by VSD makes it recognizable by the health care provider. VSD symptoms begin to appear 1-6 months after birth when the left ventricle starts to malfunction. Symptoms include, feeding difficulty, poor weigh gain, failure to thrive, very fast heartbeats, sweating, fast breathing, and pallor. Undetected and untreated VSD may result to a more serious health problem. If not repaired surgically, it may lead to irreversible pulmonary hypertension, which has a poor prognosis.

Both atrial and ventricular defects are fatal. Prompt identification and management is essential in this condition. It is best to keep a regular check-up with a health care provider. To know more about the septal defects and other birth defects, it is best to talk to your doctor.

Paxil is an FDA-approved selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant used to treat adults with depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic order, anxiety disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder. It has been proven to have successfully managed the conditions. But there have been reports of users having side effects. Side effects were either minor or major, depending on the severity. The digestive system seems to be affected most by the drug. A number of patients have reported having diarrhea after intake of the drug that lasted for a few days.

Diarrhea is the frequent passage of loose, watery stools. The symptoms define the category of diarrhea: complicated or uncomplicated. Symptoms of uncomplicated diarrhea include thin or loose stools, abdominal cramping, watery stools, sense of urgency and nausea and vomiting. Complicated diarrhea, on the other hand, has the same symptoms but accompanied with fever, presence of blood, mucus or undigested food on the stool and weight loss. Persistent occurrence of these symptoms should be consulted with a health care provider.

Almost all cases of diarrhea will fade away on its own. Symptoms are dealt with accordingly before diarrhea disappears. Patients experiencing diarrhea accompanied with vomiting should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Special dehydration drinks are also available to restore electrolyte balance caused by diarrhea. Doctors also suggest eating bananas, rice, apple and toast (BRAT), otherwise known as the diarrhea diet.. This has been used for decades to treat diarrhea. Patients are also advised to drink fluids in between meals, not with meals, for this can cause vomiting.

In almost all cases, diarrhea disappears on its own. Paxil-related diarrhea usually happens during the first few days of using the drug. Paxil should be given ample time to get rid of its side effects. In the instance that this symptom is causing you trouble, feel free to consult your health care provider for further management. If you feel that legal actions are needed in situations like this, feel free to contact any Paxil lawyer.