How does Pexep CR (Paroxetine) work?
Generic 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
