Paxil Side Effects

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.