Paxil & Bipolar Disorder

Paxil is a prescription medication used to treat bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. It regulates mood to help people with bipolar disorder function better in everyday life. It is taken orally, usually once a day. The dosage is dependent on the user, and doctors often adjust dosages to achieve the desired result. It may take several weeks for users to begin to see changes as a result of taking Paxil, so it's important not to stop taking it without consulting with a doctor.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

• Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by severe mood swings and mood instability. It is also sometimes called manic depression or manic-depressive disorder. People with bipolar disorder swing from high to low, or from being manic to depressed, very quickly and without warning. The condition can be disabling for some.

Treatment

• In addition to Paxil and or similar medications, people with bipolar disorder often receive psychotherapy as treatment for the condition. One-on-one therapy is commonly used, but sometimes people go to family or group therapy as well. In some cases, inpatient treatment at a hospital may be needed to help stabilize a person's mood and mental state.

How Paxil Works

• Paxil is a serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor that restores the brain's serotonin balance. Serotonin is a substance produced by the body that regulates mood. Taking Paxil can help improve mood in people with bipolar disorder.

Warnings

• Paxil and other antidepressants are known to increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in kids, adolescents and young adults. In rare cases, Paxil has caused two very serious, sometimes fatal conditions called serotonin syndrome and neuroleptic malignant syndrome, especially when used in conjunction with antipsychotic drugs or certain other medications. Symptoms of the two conditions are similar and include confusion, hallucinations, agitation, tremor, excessive sweating, coma, fever, fast or irregular heartbeat, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle rigidity and changes to blood pressure. Patients should contact their doctor immediately if they notice any symptoms of those conditions.

Side Effects

• Some side effects of Paxil are no cause for concern. They include decreased sexual desire or ability, constipation, anxiety, blurred vision, increased sweating or urination, gas, dry mouth, mild nausea, nervousness, loss of appetite, skin tingling or numbness, trouble sleeping or concentrating and yawning. However, some side effects of Paxil indicate a potential complication and need to be reported to a doctor. They include chest pain; black or bloody stools; exaggerated reflexes; signs of an infection, including a sore throat fever and chills; loss of coordination; persistent ringing in the ears; painful and persistent erection; red, blistered or peeling skin; weight loss; severe or persistent headaches; vision changes; unusual bleeding or bruising; seizures; stomach pain.