Paxil is an SSRI -- but what is an SSRI?

One of the medical descriptions given Paxil is that the antidepressant drug, whose principal ingredient is paroxetine hydrochloride, also is an SSRI. But what is an SSRI?

The term SSRI signifies that Paxil is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. This is a class of drugs which have an impact on a chemical in the brain called a serotonin. A serotonin is among chemicals that send signals from one nerve cell to another.

As a signal or message travels along a nerve cell, the end of the nerve cell releases serotonin, which then bridges the gap between that nerve cell and the adjacent nerve cell. After a sufficient amount of serotonin has reached the next nerve cell, that nerve cell releases “receptors” on the cell, and the message continues on its way. The first nerve cell then reabsorbs any remaining serotonin in the gap between cells. This is considered “reuptake.”

All of these processes normally work in a balanced manner causing no difficulties. However, in some persons the levels of serotonins become unbalanced, and this can cause ailments such as depression. Indeed, this is why depression is known as a distinct medical condition, and not just a mood or state of mind.

As an antidepressant, Paxil is administered in order to correct this unbalance. It can do so by blocking the reuptake of serotonins, leaving more serotonins in the spaces between the nerve cells. This allows receptors on the next nerve cell a greater chance of absorbing the serotonin from another nerve cell, as needed, rather than having it reabsorbed by the first nerve cell.

Unfortunately, Paxil also can do harm, along with good. That includes adversely affecting the unborn babies of women who take the Paxil antidepressant during pregnancy. They may be borth with Paxil birth defects such as lung or heart injuries mandating costly surgery -- or even multiple surgeries.

If one of your family members has suffered such Paxil birth defects, alert an experienced defective drug lawyer or attorney via LawyerPaxil.com. You may have grounds for a Paxil lawsuit which can recover substantial financial damages for your losses, such as medical bills.

Call toll-free to 1-800-344-9966 today, or use the free case evaluation form on this website, and let the process of recovery begin. All information is held private by LawyerPaxil.com.