Paxil and Social Anxiety
Paxil CR (Controlled Release), which is commonly prescribed for the treatment of depression, is also helpful in the treatment of social anxiety disorder. Social Anxiety Disorder, also called social phobia, is a fear of social situations, including public performances, such as public speaking. People with social anxiety fear that they are being watched and judged by others, and have a constant fear of doing something in public that will cause them to feel embarrassed or humiliated. More than 15 million Americans have social anxiety disorder.
Paxil CR, which contains paroxetine HCI, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drug approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of social anxiety. In one study, 69% of patients treated with Paxil CR for social anxiety had good results. Patients report a reduction in their anxiety and disability, and improvement in overall functioning. Paroxetine has shown to help control the amount of serotonin that the brain produces, helping to ensure that the right amount is produced for each individual. Serotonin has many functions, one of which is balancing hormones. When the hormones are balanced, a person is calmer and more relaxed, which accounts for the reduction in anxiety experienced by those being treated for social anxiety.
Paxil is one of the most favored drug treatments of social anxiety by doctors. Paxil comes in multiple dosages, which makes it possible for doctors to prescribe the lowest dosage needed to their patients.
The controlled release tablets work throughout the day, which cuts down on many side affects associated with social anxiety medication, including nervousness and dry mouth. However, there are still possible side effects of taking Paxil CR, including sweating, nausea, dry mouth, constipation, decreased appetite, tremors, sexual side effects, and yawning.
Researchers believe that since Paxil CR has proven to be effective in the treatment of a variety of mood and anxiety disorders, the medication may assist doctors in controlling the other disorders that social anxiety can cause, such as depression and panic disorder.
Paxil CR is not addictive, which makes it useful for long-term treatment of social anxiety. However, people who use Paxil CR to treat their social anxiety should not depend on it as a long-term solution, and should work instead to deal with the underlying causes of social anxiety. This can be done through counseling. However, you should not stop taking Paxil CR without discussing this with your doctor in advance.
