Paxil (Paroxetine) for Fibromyalgia

Overview
Paxil is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996 to treat depression, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. In people with fibromyalgia, Paxil can help relieve pain, improve sleep, and increase well-being. Paxil is also known by its drug name, Paroxetine.

Paxil should be used with caution in people who have a personal or family history of depression, bipolar disorder, suicidality, seizures, anorexia, glaucoma, and bleeding problems, including gastrointestinal bleeding. Paxil is not appropriate for use in pregnant women.

Paxil is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) class. Paxil is believed to work by changing the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain.

How do I take it?
Paxil is taken orally once daily, usually in the morning. Paxil can be taken with or without food. Your doctor will likely prescribe a low initial dose of Paxil and increase the dosage gradually in order to avoid side effects.

If you decide to stop taking Paxil, notify your doctor and ask them for instructions to safely taper off. Do not stop taking Paxil abruptly.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when taking Paxil.

Results
Clinical studies have found that between one-third and half of people with fibromyalgia respond to treatment with SSRI medications.

Side effects
Serious side effects of Paxil can include serotonin syndrome, which may be life-threatening. The risk for serotonin syndrome is greater in people who are also taking certain other medications at the same time as Paxil. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include hallucinations, delirium, dizziness, fast heart rate, tremors, seizures, and vomiting. Seek medical help immediately if you experience these symptoms while taking Paxil.

Common side effects of Paxil include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, anxiety, loss of appetite, blurred vision, and sweating.

Notify your doctor if you experience tremors, abnormal bleeding, or restlessness, muscle weakness or spasms, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or suicidal thoughts while taking Paxil.

Many drugs can cause allergic reactions that, in the most serious cases, can result in death. Seek immediate medical help if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, throat, eyes, lips, or tongue.