The prescription medication paroxetine, available in generic form and as the brand Paxil, is primarily used to treat psychological disorders and physical disorders with psychological symptoms. It is useful for conditions such as depression, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder. Paxil is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI, that works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin helps regulate mood and behavior. Only a small percentage of people lose weight while taking Paxil, and significant weight loss is uncommon.
Weight Loss and Weight Gain
During preapproval clinical studies with Paxil, weight loss generally was minimal, at about 1 lb. or less on average, according to eMedTV. In one study highlighted by DailyMed, a website of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 percent of participants lost weight but 3 percent gained weight. Both these percentages were higher than in the group taking a placebo.
Considerations
Although the average weight loss associated with Paxil use is small, greater weight loss is possible, notes eMedTV. Some people may find this a beneficial effect, but it can be undesirable for those with anorexia or malnutrition and those experiencing excessive weight loss. Those patients should have their weight change monitored by a health care professional while taking Paxil or any other SSRI, according to Drugs.com.
Digestive Side Effects
Although it is unclear why some people lose weight when taking Paxil, the medication does cause side effects that can lead to weight loss. In clinical studies, as detailed by eMedTV, up to 26 percent of participants experienced nausea, up to 12 percent experienced diarrhea and up to 9 percent loss of appetite. A smaller percentage of participants reported indigestion. Additional possible Paxil gastrointestinal side effects include gas, stomach pain, heartburn and changes in the ability to taste food. Side effects often dissipate after the patient takes Paxil for a while. If you lose too much weight while taking Paxil, consult your health care provider for guidance and to rule out other possible causes, advises eMedTV.
Warning
Many other side effects are relatively common when taking Paxil. Some of these include drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia, headaches, weakness, dry mouth, constipation, reduced sex drive and increased sweating. Paxil labeling carries a black box warning because a small number of people up to 24 years of age developed suicidal thoughts and behavior during clinical studies with antidepressant medications. This effect is also possible for people older than 24 years of age. It is more likely at the beginning of treatment and after any change in dosage.
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