Paxil® (
paroxetine hydrochloride) is a prescription medication approved to treat several conditions, including
depression. Paxil is part of a group of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or
SSRIs for short. SSRIs affect a specific chemical within the brain known as serotonin. When the levels of serotonin become unbalanced, it can cause conditions such as depression. Paxil helps block the reuptake of serotonin so that more remains in the space between the brain's nerve cells.
Paxil has been proven in large clinical trials to help adults with depression. People taking the drug had more improvement in their depression symptoms, compared to those not taking it. Also, long-term studies have shown that Paxil can help prevent relapse (depression coming back).
However, keep in mind that many
antidepressants (including Paxil) 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. It usually takes at least four to six weeks before significant changes in mood occur. When using Paxil for
depression treatment, it is important to give the medication a chance to work before becoming discouraged.
(Click Paxil Uses for a more in-depth look at using this drug for depression. This article also discusses how Paxil works and offers information on other possible uses of the medication.)
