What Is Paroxetine Controlled Release Used For?

Many people wonder, "What is paroxetine controlled release used for?" Paroxetine controlled release is used for treating depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Occasionally, paroxetine controlled release can also be used for off-label purposes, such as for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, hot flashes, or premature ejaculation. The medication is not approved for use in children or teenagers.

Paroxetine CR

Paroxetine Controlled Release Uses: An Overview

Paroxetine controlled release (Paxil CR^®) has been licensed to treat a number of conditions. These paroxetine controlled release uses include the treatment of:

Depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression)
Panic disorder
Social anxiety disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Paroxetine Controlled Release Use for Depression

Depression is more than just "feeling sad." Some common symptoms of depression include:

Changes in sleep (sleeping too much or not enough)
Eating too much or too little (and weight gain or weight loss)
Having little interest in things that you used to enjoy
Physical pain
Feeling hopeless or worthless
Suicidal thoughts.

Large clinical trials have proven paroxetine controlled release to be effective at helping adults with depression. However, it is important to keep in mind that many antidepressants (including paroxetine controlled release) take several weeks to begin working. Sometimes, other people will notice an improvement in your depression symptoms before you do. Often, the physical symptoms of depression (such as pain or changes in sleep) will improve first, sometimes within the first few weeks of treatment. It usually takes at least four to six weeks before significant changes in mood occur. It is important to give paroxetine controlled release a chance to work before becoming discouraged.

Counseling and therapy (see Psychotherapy for Depression) are often used along with antidepressant medication to treat depression. Ask your healthcare provider if counseling or therapy would be good options for you (see Depression Treatment).

(What Is Paroxetine Controlled Release Used For? Continued: Page 2)