Paxil Side Effect: Diarrhea

As a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant, Paxil is approved by the FDA to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, anxiety disorder and post traumatic stress disorder in adults.   Managing these conditions was proven by the drug.   But there have been reports of users having side effects.   The extent of the side effects was either minor or major in severity. The digestive system seems to be affected most by the drug.  Several users of the drug claims to have experienced diarrhea that lasted for a few days.

Diarrhea describes frequent bowel movements that are loose and watery.  Diarrhea can be complicated or uncomplicated, depending on its symptoms.   Uncomplicated diarrhea has symptoms like thin or loose stools, abdominal cramping, watery stools, sense of urgency, and nausea and vomiting.  Complicated diarrhea, on the other hand, has the same symptoms but accompanied with fever, presence of blood, mucus or undigested food on the stool and weight loss.   Consult a health care provider should any of these effects persist.

In most instances, diarrhea last only for a week.  Before it totally disappears, symptoms are managed in some ways.   Dehydration resulting from diarrhea with vomiting can be managed with drinking plenty of fluids.   Special dehydration drinks can be used to help manage electrolyte imbalance in diarrhea.  Eating bananas, rice, apple, and toast (BRAT) while having diarrhea is also advised by doctors. . This has been used for decades to treat diarrhea.   Drinking fluids in between, not during, meals is also recommended so as to prevent vomiting. 

In almost all cases, diarrhea disappears on its own.   Paxil-related diarrhea usually happens during the first few days of using the drug.  Patients should give Paxil a few weeks before it can get rid of its side effects.   In the instance that this symptom is causing you trouble, feel free to consult your health care provider for further management.   If you feel that legal actions are needed in situations like this, feel free to contact any Paxil lawyer.