Paroxetine, often sold under the brand name Paxil, benefits many patients who suffer from depression, anxiety, or other disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, side effects are possible with this medication, so anyone using it should be aware of the most common and serious. Contact your health care practitioner if you have questions about the side effects of paroxetine or think you may be experiencing one or more of them.
Sexual Dysfunction
Men and women who take paroxetine can experience reduced sexual function. A review of medical literature by NetWellness, a project of three Ohio universities, estimates the incidence of such side effects at 50 percent or higher (see References below). Problems in males include delayed ejaculation and inability to achieve or maintain erection. Females might have trouble achieving orgasm. Individuals of both genders can experience reduced libido. NetWellness reports that some patients have a reduction in these side effects after a few weeks of taking the drug.
Serotonin Syndrome
Paroxetine functions by preventing or reducing re-uptake of serotonin in neural pathways, so that serotonin is more active. A combination of side effects result on rare occasion from altered serotonin function. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of serotonin syndrome include confusion, poor coordination, sweating, shaking or twitching, and diarrhea. This is a serious condition and anyone experiencing it should seek medical assistance immediately.
Nervousness or Anxiety
Many patients taking paroxetine are seeking relief from anxiety disorders. However some individuals find that the drug causes symptoms such as anxiety, nervousness, or increased or irregular heart rate. Nervousness can also result when a patient reduces his dosage of paroxetine or stops taking the medication completely, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Drowsiness, Fatigue or Insomnia
A poll by iGuard of more than 21,000 people taking paroxetine found that several side effects related to energy level and sleep are among the most common (see Resources below). These include drowsiness, insomnia and fatigue. Mayo Clinic also lists trouble sleeping, sleepiness and unusual drowsiness as some of the more common side effects of paroxetine usage.
Weight Gain
Weight gain is a common complaint of patients taking paroxetine. IGuard.org lists it as one of the most common side effects, and the University of Maryland Medical Center reports that many people taking paroxetine or other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) experience weight gain. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality recommends that clinicians avoid prescribing paroxetine to patients concerned about gaining weight.
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