Paxil for Insomnia: Pros and Cons

Paxil is a drug that is now commonly used to treat insomnia. It is, in fact, a medication for people who suffer from anxiety of any kind - generalized anxiety, panic attacks, post traumatic stress, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. People who suffer from these disorders also often suffer from insomnia, since insomnia in many cases is the result of another, underlying problem or illness, above all depression or anxiety. Paxil is prescribed especially for patients whose insomnia affects their lives to the point where they cannot function properly during the day. In these cases, Paxil can offer enough relief from the underlying anxiety to allow the patient to get sufficient sleep to begin functioning again.

Studies have shown that patients suffering from anxiety and depression typically have lower levels of serotonin in the brain, and Paxil works, at least in part, by raising this level. Higher levels of serotonin seem to have a calming effect on a patient?s moods and go hand in hand with a lessening of anxiety and depression.

Paxil for insomnia offers fewer side effects than some of the other drugs which treat low serotonin levels. Most people who take Paxil will experience less dry mouth, less constipation, and fewer cardiovascular risks. As a rule it will not cause a rise in blood pressure and will balance out the chemicals which cause severe mood swings.

How Does Paxil Affect the Body?

Paxil is not considered to be a narcotic, so taking Paxil for insomnia will usually not cause the lethargy which often accompanies narcotic sleeping medications. The effects of Paxil will leave the body within 24 hours but Paxil actually stays in the system much longer. It can be used in the elderly population as well as in younger adults. It is not recommended for women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon.

The general dose for Paxil is 20mg per day but this dose may be adjusted, based on the needs of the patient. Many doctors will want to start out on the smallest dose which is 10mg per day. Patients who take Paxil for insomnia will usually see a small benefit on the first dose but the full benefit usually takes about two weeks for the drug to build up in the body.

Before starting Paxil for insomnia it is important for you to discuss all of your current medications with your doctor. People who are currently taking MAOI inhibitors should not take Paxil since this could result in death. Once you begin Paxil it is not recommended that you quit taking it cold turkey. Here again you should discuss this with your doctor because he will probably want to wean you off gradually.