8 Side Effects of Paroxetine in the Long Term

  • Jul 06, 2023
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Long-term paroxetine side effects

Prolonged consumption of paroxetine can cause a series of complications in the vital functions of a person. They can be detected from pertinent observations regarding performance in areas of life, such as university and/or work. Despite this, this drug is indicated for the treatment of some mental disorders that cause discomfort in the development of daily life. Although it is true that the benefits of taking this medication have a high effectiveness in a large part of the world population, there are some disadvantages that arise from its use durable. Lack of accurate data can cause more serious problems that endanger the person receiving treatment. To avoid this, detailed and relevant information about this problem is required.

In this Psychology-Online article we will explain the long term paroxetine side effects.

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Index

  1. What is paroxetine and what is it used for?
  2. Headaches
  3. sexual dysfunction
  4. restlessness and tremors
  5. increased body weight
  6. Gastrointestinal disorders
  7. Insomnia
  8. excessive sweating
  9. Vertigo
  10. How to treat paroxetine side effects

What is paroxetine and what is it for?

Paroxetine is a psychoactive drug used for the treatment of clinical pictures of depression. However, it is also indicated for the approach of anxiety, obsessions, panic attacks and post-traumatic stress. This medication belongs to the group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

In general terms, this medication acts on the central nervous system through the increase in serotonin levels in the organism. This causes the mood to improve after a period of continuous consumption. In accordance with this, it serves to stimulate nerve transmission that is generated through synaptic connections.

In general, paroxetine is known as an antidepressant due to the effects it causes in the neural circuits of the cerebral cortex. In the following article you will find more information about the pAroxetine: what it is, what it is for and side effects.

Headaches.

First of all, one of the side effects that this medicine can cause is headaches caused by the inflammation of brain tissues. When this happens, the pressure that is exerted causes the person to feel discomfort that can be mild, moderate or intense.

Similarly, prolonged use of paroxetine can alter neuronal function.

Long Term Paroxetine Side Effects - Headaches

sexual dysfunction.

Long-term use of paroxetine can also cause sexual dysfunction, a difficulty responding appropriately to a sexual act. This can involve various modalities, such as inability to orgasm, premature ejaculationor lack of sexual desire, among others.

As has been proven, sexual dysfunction due to paroxetine intake is linked to the inhibition of an enzyme that participates in these processes.

Restlessness and tremors.

Involuntary body movements can have several underlying causes, with paroxetine ingestion being one of the main ones. This can be expressed from involuntary tremors in specific areas of the body.

Increased body weight.

Weight gain from long-term use of paroxetine is due to a alteration in metabolism. In some cases, the impossibility of correctly assimilating the properties of this medicine generates a body dysregulation that results in weight gain. In general, this condition is associated with an increased appetite.

Gastrointestinal disorders.

In some cases, taking proxatin for a long time can cause gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, diarrhoea, constipation or dyspepsia. Both diarrhea and constipation are disorders of the digestive system that can affect the expulsion of feces.

On the other hand, dyspepsia due to prolonged use of paroxetine can cause upset stomach, burning sensation, or indigestion in some people. Avoiding fatty, spicy, and acidic foods and eating smaller, more frequent meals can help alleviate these symptoms. For nausea, taking the medication with food may help reduce nausea.

If you experience persistent or severe gastrointestinal problems as a result of taking paroxetine, It is important that you inform your doctor so that I can adjust your dose, change your administration schedule, or consider treatment alternatives as needed.

Insomnia.

Another consequence that paroxetine can cause is insomnia. In this sense, the sedative effect of this medication can disrupt the normal sleep cycle, causing long periods without being able to sleep. However, this varies from person to person and there is no set number of people affected by this problem.

In this article you will find information about the Types of insomnia and its treatment.

excessive sweating

Sweating is the release of body fluids that originate from the sweat glands. Beyond the fact that it is a common phenomenon, it has been seen that paroxetine increases the production of these components for a longer time than usual.

Vertigo.

Another of the possible side effects of this medication is vertigo, a feeling of unsteadiness that occurs suddenly. When a person suffers from vertigo they tend to feel dizziness and loss of balance.

This problem can be manifested by the uninterrupted intake of a high dose of paroxetine for several months.

How to treat paroxetine side effects.

Despite the complications caused by this antidepressant, there are some methods to mitigate them. Here's how to treat paroxetine side effects:

  • See a health professional: the administration of any psychiatric medication should always be supervised by a specialist in the subject, since he will evaluate the clinical conditions of the patient and refer the correct dose.
  • Maintain constant communication with your doctor: In these cases, it is essential to inform them of any changes in your symptoms or side effects. They will be able to adjust treatment as needed.
  • Maintain a healthy diet: Carrying out a high consumption of fruits, vegetables, seeds, lean meats and plenty of water helps to reduce some side effects.
  • Practice physical exercise: including physical activities in the routine releases muscle tension and produces a secretion of hormones such as serotonin and endorphins, vital for increasing well-being.
  • Surround yourself with a healthy environment: family and friends are essential for emotional support in times of crisis. Thus, your support allows a better passage through these situations.
  • Do not stop treatment abruptly: Abruptly stopping these types of medications can lead to withdrawal symptoms or worsen depression. Therefore, if you wish to modify or interrupt treatment with paroxetine, it is essential that you do so under the supervision of your doctor.

It should be noted that these recommendations are not a substitute for medical advice. Each person can react differently to paroxetine, so it is important to have the supervision and guidance of a health professional.

Long Term Paroxetine Side Effects - How To Treat Paroxetine Side Effects

This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to Long-term paroxetine side effects, we recommend that you enter our category of Psychoactive drugs.

Bibliography

  • Peñarrubia, M., Miranda Chueca, I., García Bayo, I. (2002). Delirium and endocrinological alterations secondary to paroxetine, regarding a case. MEDIFAM Magazine, 12 (9), 589-592.
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