Paraxyl tablet is an antidepressant medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is primarily used for the treatment of various mental health conditions, including:

  1. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Paraxyl is used for the treatment of major depressive disorder, a condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and a lack of energy. It helps to improve mood, relieve symptoms of depression, and restore emotional well-being.
  2. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Paraxyl is also used for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, which involves excessive worry, restlessness, and irritability. It helps to reduce anxiety symptoms and promotes a sense of calmness.
  3. Panic Disorder: Paraxyl is used in the treatment of panic disorder, a condition marked by recurrent panic attacks accompanied by intense fear and physical symptoms. It helps to reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks and alleviate associated symptoms.
  4. Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Paraxyl is used for the treatment of social anxiety disorder, which involves excessive fear or anxiety in social situations. It helps to reduce anxiety symptoms and improve the ability to engage in social interactions.
  5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Paraxyl is used as one of the treatment options for obsessive-compulsive disorder, a condition characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). It helps to reduce the frequency and intensity of obsessions and compulsions.
  6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Paraxyl can be used for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, which occurs after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It helps to alleviate symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, hyperarousal, and avoidance behaviors.

Off-label Uses of Paraxyl Tablet

  1. Postpartum Depression: Paraxyl may be used off-label to treat postpartum depression, which is a depressive episode that occurs after childbirth. While selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Paraxyl have shown efficacy in treating depression, the specific use of Paraxyl for postpartum depression may involve individual clinical judgment and careful assessment of risks and benefits.
  2. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): Paraxyl may be used off-label to alleviate symptoms of PMS, a condition characterized by physical and emotional symptoms occurring before menstruation. It may also be used for the treatment of PMDD, a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome. The use of Paraxyl in these conditions may help reduce mood swings, irritability, and other associated symptoms.
  3. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): While Paraxyl is an approved treatment for social anxiety disorder, there is evidence to suggest that other SSRIs may be equally or more effective. Nonetheless, Paraxyl may still be used off-label for the treatment of social anxiety disorder when other treatment options have been exhausted or based on individual patient responses.
  4. Insomnia: Paraxyl may be used off-label to manage insomnia in some cases. It is thought to help improve sleep quality by reducing anxiety and depression, which are common underlying factors contributing to insomnia. However, other medications specifically indicated for insomnia are often considered primary treatment options.
Paraxyl Uses and Indications

What is Paraxyl?

Paraxyl is one of the leading brands of Paroxetine, manufactured and marketed by (CCL) Consolidated Chemical Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Paraxly CR is also available, it is a controlled-release formulation. Paraxyl CR (controlled-release formulation of paroxetine) is designed to release the medication gradually over a specific period, providing a sustained and consistent drug concentration in the body. Paraxyl CR can help maintain the therapeutic levels of the drug and potentially reduce certain side effects.

Paraxyl Alternatives : Other Similar Brands

The following are some available alternative brands of Paraxyl and their manufacturers.

  • Seroxet : GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).
  • Paraoxin : Amarant Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Paromax : Gentics Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.
  • Merit : Xenon Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Paxil : Shaigan Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Raxil : Adamjee Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Parxet : Bio Labs (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Pexot : Helix Pharma (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Gerox : Glitz Pharma, Pakistan.
  • Xepar : Standpharm Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd.

Paraxyl : Available Formulations and Strengths

Presently, Paraxyl is available in Tablet Form with the following strengths.

Paraxyl Tablet : 20mg strength.

Paraxyl CR Tablet : 12.5mg strength.

Who Should Not Use Paraxyl?

Paraxyl has certain contraindications, which are situations or conditions in which the use of Paraxyl is not recommended due to potential risks and adverse effects.

Hypersensitivity: Paraxyl is contraindicated in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to Paraxyl or any component of the medication. Allergic reactions can range from mild skin rash to severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.

Concurrent Use with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Paraxyl should not be used within 14 days of discontinuing treatment with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or vice versa. The combination of Paraxyl and MAOIs can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome, characterized by symptoms such as agitation, confusion, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, tremor, and high body temperature.

Pimozide and Thioridazine: Paraxyl should not be co-administered with the medications pimozide or thioridazine, as it can increase the levels of these drugs in the blood, potentially leading to abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation) and other cardiac complications.

Concomitant Use of MAOIs or Linezolid: Paraxyl should not be used concurrently with MAOIs or linezolid (an antibiotic), as this can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Paraxyl should be used with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is generally recommended to avoid or minimize the use of Paraxyl during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, due to the potential risk of adverse effects on the developing fetus. Paraxyl is excreted in breast milk, so it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with a healthcare professional if considering its use while breastfeeding.

Glaucoma: Paraxyl should be used with caution in individuals with narrow-angle glaucoma. It can potentially increase intraocular pressure, leading to a worsening of glaucoma symptoms.

What is the Recommended Daily Dosage of Paraxyl?

Paraxyl Dose for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD):

  • One Tablet of 20mg per day, taken orally as a single dose in the morning.
  • The dose may be adjusted based on individual response and can range from 20 to 50 mg per day.
  • In some cases, higher doses may be necessary, but they should be determined by a healthcare professional.

Paraxyl Dose for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):

  • One Tablet of 20mg per day, taken orally as a single dose in the morning.
  • The dose can be increased to a maximum of 50 mg per day based on individual response and tolerability.

Paraxyl Dose for Panic Disorder:

  • Starting dose for adults: A half Tablet of 20mg per day, taken orally as a single dose in the morning.
  • The dose can be increased gradually up to a maximum of 3 tablets of 20mg per day based on individual response and tolerability.

Paraxyl Dose for Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia):

  • Starting dose for adults: One Tablet of 20mg per day, taken orally as a single dose in the morning.
  • The dose can be increased to a maximum of 3 tablets of 20mg per day based on individual response and tolerability.

How Paraxyl Works?

Paraxyl works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin at the presynaptic nerve terminals. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating mood, emotions, and other functions in the brain. By inhibiting its reuptake, Paraxyl increases the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic cleft, which enhances neurotransmission.