How Does Paxil Work?
Paxil is a prescription medication that can alleviate symptoms of mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. How does Paxil work—and can it help you? Learn more today at New Mind Wellness Center.
Call us or visit our admissions page to begin mental health treatment in Philadelphia.
How Does Paxil Work?
Paxil is a prescription medication that can alleviate symptoms of mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. How does Paxil work—and can it help you? Learn more today at New Mind Wellness Center.
Call us or visit our admissions page to begin mental health treatment in Philadelphia.
Begin Mental Health Treatment in Philadelphia Today
Do you struggle with anxiety and depression and don’t know where to turn for effective help? Paxil, a drug available by prescription, helps many people minimize their feelings of anxiety and depression and lead calmer, more hopeful lives.
New Mind Philadelphia offers Paxil as part of a host of prescription medications used to help ease the symptoms of anxiety and other mental health disorders. For someone new to the drug, they will likely have many questions, such as, “How does Paxil work?” We answer that and many more to help you become informed about whether or not this drug might be a good match for your mental health goals.
What is Paxil?
Part of answering the question, “How does Paxil work?” is understanding details about the medication. Paxil is the brand name for an anti-depressant called Paroxetine. It is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is available only by prescription and should be taken according to the directions. This drug comes in tablet, capsule, and liquid form. The doctor who prescribed Paxil will discuss the goals and possible side effects and monitor how the person responds to it.
What is Paxil Used For?
Paxil helps people with a variety of mental illnesses. Once a person receives an official diagnosis, they can discuss with the prescriber if Paxil may be the right fit for them.
The types of mental health disorders that Paxil is used to treat include:
- Panic disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Depression
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Is Paxil Addictive?
An important reason many people ask, “How does Paxil work?” is because of concern about the possibility of becoming addicted to it. Paxil does not cause a person to feel high, so they do not use it as a way to pursue euphoric feelings. While a physical addiction will not happen, it is possible for someone to develop a psychological reliance. However, this will not cause them to have withdrawal symptoms if they stop using the medication.
How Does Paxil Work?
How Paxil works is related to it being an SSRI drug. People’s brains naturally produce chemicals that allow them to feel joy and satisfaction, as well as have a healthy sleeping pattern. People with anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses often experience an interruption in the production of a neurotransmitter in their brain called serotonin. Taking Paxil causes the amount of serotonin produced to increase, restoring their ability to feel natural feelings of happiness.
How Does Paxil Compare to Other Medications?
Recommended: Most Common Depression Medications
Begin Mental Health Treatment Today
New Mind Wellness is a leader in the provision of mental health treatment in Pennsylvania. If you or a loved one are struggling with mental illness, reach out to us today or verify your insurance now.
How Long Does Paxil Take to Work for Anxiety?
While each person has their individual reactions, those using Paxil for anxiety typically feel the first effects after one to two weeks. By the time they’ve taken it for four to six weeks, the full effects should be felt. If no or few effects happen, the person should speak with their prescriber.
How Long Does Paxil Take to Work for Depression?
How long it takes for Paxil to work for depression is similar to the results when used for anxiety. The beginning effects happen after one or two weeks, while the full effects occur around four to six weeks. Anyone not feeling the effects or a meaningful amount should speak to the clinician who prescribed it.
How Long Does Paxil Stay in Your System?
Another concern for those who wonder, “How does Paxil work?” is how long the medication stays in your system. The half-life of Paxil is 21 hours. This is how long it takes the human body to metabolize and eliminate it. It can take around five days for the drug to completely leave a person’s body. No one should change their dosage level without first talking to the clinician who prescribed it.
Find Mental Health Treatment Today
New Mind Philadelphia offers Paxil as part of an array of prescription drugs for mental health disorders. Our staff of trained medical and mental health experts understands just how powerful medications can be when combined with therapy in the treatment of mental illnesses. We offer access to evidence-based therapies that teach people to minimize symptoms such as anxiety and depression. The right medication can be a real game-changer for someone who needs it.
Contact us now to find out more about how our program can work for you. We are happy to discuss medications and types of therapy and verify your insurance information.