Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of both men and women in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. High blood lipid levels, including LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, increase your risk of developing this deadly disease. You may know that diet plays a major role in your risk of heart disease, but so do some medications. Paxil, an antidepressant, may increase bad cholesterol levels, but does not seem to affect triglyceride levels.
Paxil
Paxil is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI, antidepressant. In addition to treating depression, Paxil is also prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, obsessive- compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Paxil is a serious medication and should only be taken under the direction and supervision of your doctor. Paxil interacts with a number of other medications, including Zyvox and Orap, which can lead to dangerous side effects. In addition, even though it is an antidepressant, taking it can lead to thoughts of suicide, especially in young people.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. Triglycerides are primarily used as a storage form of energy. Any food you eat in excess of your needs is converted into triglycerides and stored in your fat cells for later use. High blood triglyceride levels increase your risk of heart disease, however. Ideally, triglyceride blood levels should be less than 150 mg/dL. The exact cause of high blood triglyceride levels is not known, but it is often associated with other medical conditions, such as obesity or diabetes. Certain medications, including beta blockers and birth control pills can also raise triglyceride levels. Paxil does not appear to affect your triglycerides, however, according to MayoClinic.com.
Paxil and Blood Lipids
While Paxil may not increase triglyceride levels, it does have an affect on LDL cholesterol, the bad cholesterol that clogs your arteries. A 2003 study published in the "Journal of Clinical Psychiatry" investigated the effects of the administration of paroxetine, also known as Paxil, for eight weeks on cholesterol and triglyceride levels in a group of healthy men. At the end of the eight weeks, the men showed an 11.5 percent increase in LDL cholesterol levels, but no change was noted in triglycerides.
Considerations
While Paxil may not directly cause high triglycerides, it can cause you to gain weight, which increases your risk of developing high triglyceride levels. Following a healthy diet while taking Paxil may help thwart the weight gain and reduce your risk. Controlling your calorie intake and including more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy products can help. A healthy diet may also lower your risk of developing high LDLcholesterol levels.
References
- American Heart Association: Healthy Diet Goals
- Drugs.com: Paxil
- MayoClinic.com; Triglycerides: Why Do They Matter?; June 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Antidepressants and Weight Gain: What Causes It?; Daniel K. Hall-Flavin; July 2010
- "Journal of Clinical Psychiatry"; Increased Cholesterol Levels During Paroxetine Administration in Health Men; N. Lara, et al.; December 2003
