Why is paxil addictive

It is formulated as an extended-release tablet, immediate-release tablet, or in liquid form. It is not typically prescribed to younger people under the age of 18 as it can cause suicidal thoughts and behaviors. It should always be taken exactly as prescribed by a doctor to prevent abuse and addiction and it may take several weeks for users to feel its full effects.

Although it is not considered an addictive drug, consistent misuse of Paxil can result in physical dependence and psychological addiction. The generic drug paroxetine is also sold under the brand names Pexeva , Sereupin , Seroxat , and Aropax. Paxil and Xanax are two different types of drugs, although similar. Xanax is a benzodiazepine and Paxil is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which is a type of antidepressant.

While Paxil and Xanax are both used to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks, Paxil may also be used to treat several other medical conditions like depression, OCD, and PTSD, among other conditions. Both of these drugs can cause physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and addiction. Although Paxil is not classified as a habit-forming drug, it can cause psychological addiction with consistent or long-term abuse.

A person may take multiple doses of Paxil or crush the tablets and inhale them to try to get high. Often, this is an attempt to escape feelings of depression or anxiety. In many cases, people who abuse Paxil also misuse other addictive substances or alcohol. About Many people in the U.

Misuse of Paxil can cause serious physical and psychological damage, as well as other consequences like ruined relationships, job loss, or reclusive behaviors. Someone who misuses Paxil may not be physically dependent or addicted to it, but it greatly increases their risk of developing an addiction. Common signs of Paxil abuse include:. People who misuse other prescription drugs or alcohol may also have a higher risk of developing an addiction to Paxil.

Other outward signs of Paxil addiction may include:. One of the most telltale signs of drug dependence is withdrawal and withdrawal from paroxetine products like Paxil can be severe. Common Paxil withdrawal symptoms include: 4,5. Although Paxil withdrawal is highly unlikely to be deadly, it can be very uncomfortable, especially without medical supervision and clinical treatment. However, if users follow a strict tapering schedule under the supervision of a medical doctor, many Paxil withdrawal symptoms can be avoided or severely reduced.

A medically-assisted detox program can help people who are addicted to Paxil get sober by designing a safe and effective tapering process that provides the most comfortable Paxil detox process possible. While quitting Paxil cold turkey may seem like the easy solution, this can actually make getting sober much more difficult, as withdrawal symptoms are often much more severe and long-lasting.

Instead, a Paxil detox program makes quitting easier and safer. Glaxo spokeswoman Mary Anne Rhyne says: "We've not been served officially as of yet -- though we have certainly read the media reports. So there is no official comment from the company at this time. There have been 70 million patient treatments since the drug was launched nine years ago.

The experience with the patient treatment is that, overwhelmingly, this is a safe and effective treatment," she says. People are unable to get off this drug. And what Glaxo is calling this is a recurrence of depression or anxiety or whatever else the patient was being treated for. In fact, argues former drug czar Dr. Robert DuPont, the lawsuit is confusing addiction with the body's adjustment to a life without Paxil.

DuPont, now president of the Institute for Behavior and Health, adds: "They're confusing addiction and withdrawal, and those are two entirely separate issues. You can be addicted to a drug, then stop, and have no withdrawal symptoms, he says. DuPont also says: "An addiction is made up of two features -- one is continued use of a substance despite problems, and there is no one in this case who would be like that.

The other feature of addiction is dishonesty. You cannot be an honest addict -- you must be a liar. Updated December 30, Paroxetine use during pregnancy and the risk of cardiac defects. Br J Clin Pharmacol.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors during pregnancy and risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn: population based cohort study from the five Nordic countries. Serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants and abnormal bleeding: a review for clinicians and a reconsideration of mechanisms.

J Clin Psychiatry. Bartlett D. Drug-Induced Serotonin Syndrome. Crit Care Nurse. Suicidality and aggression during antidepressant treatment: systematic review and meta-analyses based on clinical study reports.

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