Focus on the pharmacological profile of Paxil, a common medication used in the treatment of Bipolar Disorder, with the active ingredient being Paroxetine Hydrochloride.

Focus on Paxil, a medication frequently used for Bipolar Disorder, specifically Paroxetine Hydrochloride

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2025 September 6 . 8:13 PM

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Focus on the pharmaceutical treatment for Bipolar Disorder: Paxil, a drug containing Paroxetine... — Focus on the pharmaceutical treatment for Bipolar Disorder: Paxil, a drug containing Paroxetine Hydrochloride

Focus on the pharmacological profile of Paxil, a common medication used in the treatment of Bipolar Disorder, with the active ingredient being Paroxetine Hydrochloride.

This week, we delve into Paxil (paroxetine hydrochloride), a medication often used to treat depression and anxiety. Paxil, developed and initially marketed by GlaxoSmithKline, is a member of the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) class, similar to lithium, anti-seizure medications, atypical antipsychotics, and Prozac (fluoxetine).

Paxil is a powerful and effective antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication, and it is used frequently by some doctors. Most people on Paxil take a dose between 10 and 40mg, but it can be as high as 60 or 80 mg per day or up to 75 mg for Paxil CR (controlled release).

Like other SSRIs, Paxil shares many potential benefits and potential negative side effects. It is associated with more sedation and weight gain compared to other SSRIs. Paxil is specifically indicated for social anxiety disorder, and it has potential benefits including antidepressant effects, anti-anxiety effects, and treatment of obsessive compulsive (OCD) and related disorders.

However, it's essential to be aware of the potential risks. Agitation, increased anxiety, or worsening depression or other paradoxical effects can occur in some people taking SSRI's, including Paxil. There's also a higher risk of shifting into mania or hypomania for people with bipolar disorder taking antidepressants without a mood stabilizer, including Paxil.

Serotonin syndrome can occur when Paxil is combined with certain medications, such as triptans or other drugs that elevate brain levels of serotonin. Additionally, babies born to mothers who took SSRI's, including Paxil, in the third trimester of pregnancy have an increased likelihood of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).

It's important to note that there's an increased risk of suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents taking antidepressants, including Paxil. Due to this risk, Paxil is often avoided as a first line treatment in children.

For more detailed information about Paxil, please visit the GlaxoSmithKline PaxilCR page. This article continues a biweekly series on medications used to treat bipolar disorder and related symptoms. Stay tuned for more insights into the world of mental health treatments.