Loxamine

Uses
Loxamine (Paroxetine Hydrochloride) is referred to as a 5-hydroxytryptamine (more commonly known as serotonin or 5-HT) inhibitor or SSRI. It is considered to be different from tetracyclic, tricyclic and other antidepressant medications. Medical experts believe that there is a link between its benefits in the treatment of depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders (such as GAD) and its inhibition of serotonin (a neurotransmitter) uptake in the brain. This may help to maintain the natural mental balance.

When taken by patients with OCD, it may help to treat symptoms such as troublesome thoughts and repeated actions or compulsions. It has also been used by some people for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (sometimes abbreviated to PMDD), to relieve severe menstrual symptoms. Several medical studies have been conducted to determine its effectiveness if used for premature ejaculation.

Dosage and Administration
The medicine content of Loxamine (Paroxetine Hydrochloride) tablets is 20mg. The dosage will need to be carefully calculated by your doctor, as each specific condition may have slightly different dosage requirements. Adults taking this medicine for depression may be told to take 20mg per day (equal to one tablet). It should be taken in the morning, with food. If drowsiness occurs during the day, your doctor may recommend taking it at night. There have been cases where no response has been achieved at this dosage, and the doctor has deemed it necessary to adjust the patient's dosage in 10mg per day increments (however, the maximum dosage is 50mg per day). It is important to remember that you do not adjust your dosage unless your doctor directs you to do so.

Obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobia and any other conditions treated with this medicine usually require different dosage regimens, and patients treating depression may also be given dosage instructions which differ to the examples provided here. Therefore, in all cases patients must only take the amount of medicine that their doctor tells them to take.

Side effects
Use of Loxamine (Paroxetine Hydrochloride) in the treatment of depression or any other conditions may result in side effects, and a list of some examples is given here:

• Sleepiness
• Dryness in the mouth
• Increased cholesterol levels
• Appetite and body weight changes
• Soreness affecting the gums or teeth

You must ensure that your doctor is made aware of any side effects that occur. Although it is quite infrequent, there is a slight risk of significantly dangerous reactions associated with this medicine. You must seek medical care straight away if you notice rigid muscles, shaking or twitching that you have no ability to control, skin blisters, a painful erection which does not go away, urination problems or any other serious side effects.

Precautions
A small number of patients treated with antidepressant medicine may experience suicidal thoughts. Discuss the risk of this with your doctor prior to beginning treatment, and seek medical care immediately if any sudden changes to your mental health occurs.

Abrupt cessation of treatment with this drug can cause withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, nausea, vertigo, problems sleeping, tremors and other symptoms. Your doctor may need to gradually lessen your dosage so as to stop this from happening.

Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms to watch for, which may be indicative of a reaction, include skin rashes, hives, swelling of the face or limbs, trouble breathing, and trouble swallowing.

Always use Loxamine (Paroxetine Hydrochloride) as you have been prescribed by your doctor. Never self-medicate or change your dosage without first consulting your doctor. The correct dosage can vary depending on your health, medical history, and the severity of the condition being treated.

This medication may not be safe for all patients. Before you begin using it always disclose the following to your doctor:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you suffer from any allergies.
• If you suffer from any other health conditions or illnesses.
• If you are using any other medicine (including all non-prescription).
• If you are using any supplements, vitamins, or herbal products of any kind.