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GSK / Seroxat
How does it work?
Seroxat tablets and liquid contain the active ingredient paroxetine, which is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This type of medicine acts on nerve cells in the brain. (NB. Paroxetine is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)
In the brain there are numerous different chemical compounds called neurotransmitters. These act as chemical messengers between the nerve cells. Serotonin is one such neurotransmitter and has various functions that we know of.
When serotonin is released from nerve cells in the brain it acts to lighten mood. When it is reabsorbed into the nerve cells, it no longer has an effect on mood. It is thought that when depression occurs, there may be a decreased amount of serotonin released from nerve cells in the brain.
SSRIs work by preventing serotonin from being reabsorbed back into the nerve cells in the brain. This helps prolong the mood lightening effect of any released serotonin. In this way, paroxetine helps relieve depression, panic and fear.
Paroxetine may also be used in the treatment of anxiety disorders including obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and generalised anxiety disorder.
It may take between two to four weeks for the benefits of this medicine to appear, so it is very important that you keep taking it, even if it doesn't seem to make much difference at first. If you feel your depression or anxiety has got worse, or if you have any distressing thoughts or feelings in these first few weeks, then you should talk to your doctor.
It is recommended that you take your dose of this medicine in the morning, with or after food.
What is it used for?
Depression
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
A psychiatric disorder in which tasks are excessively repeated (obsessive-compulsive disorder)
Condition of sudden attacks of fear, panic and confusion (panic disorder)
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Fear of social situations (social phobia)
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