Paroxetine

Introduction To Paroxetine

Paroxetine is a type of antidepressant belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) group of medicines. It is widely prescribed to treat depression and anxiety-related conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder.

Paroxetine helps many people to recover from depression by improving their mood and relieving anxiety and tension. It can be taken with or without food. The dose and how often you need it will be decided by your doctor so that you get the right amount to control your symptoms.

Your doctor may start you on a lower dose and increase it gradually. Do not change the dose or stop taking it without talking to your doctor, even if you feel well. Doing so may make your condition worse or you may suffer from unpleasant withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, restlessness, palpitations, dizziness, sleep disturbances, etc).

To get the most benefit, take this medicine regularly at the same time each day. Your doctor may advise you to take it in the morning if you have trouble sleeping. It may take a few weeks before you start feeling better. Let your doctor know if you do not see any improvement even after 4 weeks.

Some common side effects of Paroxetine include nausea, fatigue, dry mouth, loss of appetite, increased sweating, dizziness, nervousness, tremors, insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), and constipation. Sexual side effects like decreased sexual drive, delayed ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction may also be seen. Let your doctor know straight away if you develop any sudden worsening of mood or any thoughts about harming yourself.

Before taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you have epilepsy (seizure disorder or fits), diabetes, liver or kidney disease, heart problems, or glaucoma. These may affect your treatment. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking it. Some other medicines may affect the way it works, especially other antidepressants and medicines called MAO inhibitors. Please tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking to make sure you are safe.

Uses of Paroxetine

  • Treatment of Depression
  • Treatment of Panic disorder
  • Treatment of Anxiety disorder

Benefits of Paroxetine

Treatment of Depression
Paroxetine works by increasing the level of a chemical called serotonin in the brain. This improves your mood, relieves anxiety, tension, and helps you sleep better. It has fewer side effects than older antidepressants. It usually takes 4-6 weeks for this medicine to work so you need to keep taking it even if you feel it is not working. Do not stop taking it, even if you feel better unless your doctor advises you to.

Treatment of Panic disorder
Paroxetine can help relieve symptoms of many panic disorders including panic attacks. It can help you feel calmer and improve your ability to deal with problems. Do not stop taking it, even when you feel better, unless your doctor advises you to.

Treatment of Anxiety disorder
Paroxetine helps relieve symptoms of many anxiety disorders including obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder by increasing the level of a chemical called serotonin in your brain. It has fewer side effects than older antidepressants and is normally taken once a day. It helps you feel calm with a better ability to deal with problems. Exercise and a healthy diet can also improve your mood. Keep taking the medicine until your doctor advises you to stop.

Side effects of Paroxetine

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Stamna P

  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Dryness in mouth
  • Loss of appetite
  • Increased sweating
  • Dizziness
  • Nervousness
  • Tremors
  • Low sexual desire
  • Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
  • Confusion
  • Constipation
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Delayed ejaculation
  • Decreased libido

How to use Paroxetine

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Paroxetine may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How Paroxetine works

Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain. This improves mood and physical symptoms of depression and also relieves symptoms of panic disorder, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Quick tips

  • It can take 2-3 weeks for Paroxetine to start working.

  • Do not stop treatment suddenly as this may cause upset stomach, flu-like withdrawal symptoms and sleep disturbance.

  • If your doctor asks you to stop Paroxetine, you should reduce the dose slowly over 4 weeks.

  • Avoid consuming alcohol when taking Paroxetine, as it may cause excessive drowsiness and calmness.

  • The addiction/dependence potential of Paroxetine is very less.

Safety Advice

sdsPregnancyUNSAFE

Can I take Paroxetine if I’m pregnant?

Paroxetine is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.

sdsBreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Paroxetine if I’m breastfeeding?

Paroxetine is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.

sdsAlcoholUNSAFE

Is drinking alcohol while taking Paroxetine safe?

It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Paroxetine.

sdsDrivingUNSAFE

Can I drive after taking Paroxetine?

Paroxetine may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.

sdsKidneyCAUTION

Can I take Paroxetine if I have/had kidney diseases?

Paroxetine should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Paroxetine may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

sdsLiverCAUTION

Can I take Paroxetine if I have/had liver diseases?

Paroxetine should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Paroxetine may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. After how many days of taking Paroxetine will I start feeling better?

You may start to see an improvement in your symptoms after 1-2 weeks of starting the treatment. In case you do not see any improvement, do not stop the medicine and consult your doctor. It may take around 4-6 weeks to see the full benefits of the medicine.

Q. I feel that my symptoms have worsened after having started taking Paroxetine. Can I stop it on my own or do I need to consult the doctor?

No, do not stop taking Paroxetine abruptly, without consulting your doctor. This is a common problem with Paroxetine that initially you may feel that your symptoms have worsened but the benefits start appearing after 1-2 weeks. If the worsening does not improve even after 1-2 weeks, you must consult your doctor.

Q. Can Paroxetine affect my sex life?

Yes, Paroxetine use may affect your sex life. It can cause decreased sexual desire and inability to reach orgasm in both men and women. Additionally, men may even experience abnormal erection and ejaculation.

Q. What is the effect of Paroxetine on children?

Paroxetine should not be used in children under 18 years of age. The reason being, patients under 18 have an increased risk of experiencing side effects such as suicidal thoughts, aggression, oppositional behavior and anger when they take Paroxetine. If your doctor has prescribed Paroxetine for your child and you are worried about these side effects, discuss it with your doctor.

Q. I have been taking tamoxifen for breast cancer. Can I take Paroxetine with it?

No, you should not take Paroxetine if you are receiving tamoxifen. Tamoxifen often causes hot flashes (episodes of feeling extremely hot), which can be treated with Paroxetine. But Paroxetine may reduce the effectiveness of tamoxifen and can lead to recurrence of breast cancer.

Q. Do I need to be careful while taking Paroxetine if I am a diabetic?

Yes, you need to be careful while taking this medicine if you are a diabetic. Paroxetine may alter your blood sugar levels and your dose of insulin or antidiabetic medicines may need adjustment. Talk to your doctor regarding this and keep a regular check on your blood sugar levels.

References

Written By:

Dr Advikka Ridhy

Dr Advikka Ridhy

MBBS

RMO, Aster MIMS

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