Medicines are a part of everyday life for many millions of people around the world. These treatments, although effective for the most part, are not without side effects for the body. Sometimes the side effects are long lasting, which is why it is important to be aware of them before starting to use them. Find out in this article what the side effects of paroxetine are and how long they last.
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What is paroxetine?
A molecule derived from phenylpiperidine, paroxetine is a drug used as an antidepressant. It belongs to the SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). The drug has been available on the market since the 1990s and is used by health professionals because of its effectiveness on anxiety and depression. It was developed by the GlaxoSmithKline laboratory. Today, the formula is found under the generic names of paroxetine and the trade names Divarius® and Deroxat®.
How does paroxetine work?
Serotonin, a neurotransmitter produced by the body, acts at various levels: digestive and central nervous system, hemostasis, regulation of the circadian cycle, etc. In concrete terms, it helps regulate mood, reduce risk-taking and is linked to feelings of happiness. In fact, a state of anxiety or depression can be explained by the low level of serotonins in the people concerned. Paroxetine has the effect of prevents the reuptake of this neurotransmitter produced by the body, so that its level increases in the neurons of the brain. The resulting effect is therapeutic and includes an improvement in mood, but also a decrease in :
- Anxiety;
- Phobia;
- Stress;
- Panic disorders.
Finally, the selective action of paroxetine on serotonin has no effect on histamine, adrenaline, or dopamine receptors. In fact, it does not cause a hypotensive and depressive action on the nervous system. However, as with any medication, paroxetine presents adverse effects that it is better to know about.
What are the side effects of paroxetine?
There are many side effects associated with taking paroxetine. They mainly appear in the first few weeks and then fade away. Some are very frequent while others are not. The most frequent side effects of serotonin are among others :
- Nausea ;
- Decreased attention;
- Dizziness;
- Yawning;
- Blurred vision;
- Headache; Constipation; and
- Constipation;
- Diarrhea ;
- Fatigue ;
- Weight gain;
- Rising cholesterol levels ;
- Sexual disorders;
- Dry mouth;
- Tremors;
- Abnormal dreams or nightmares;
- Loss of appetite;
- Vomiting ;
- Sleepiness or insomnia;
- Excessive sweating.
Some side effects are rarer, but are still seen in some people. These include
- Suicidal thoughts;
- Muscle or joint pain;
- Difficulty urinating or urinary incontinence;
- Skin rash;
- Confusion;
- Hallucination;
- Ringing in the ears ;
- allergic;
- Milk flow;
- Pupil dilation;
- Etc.
Finally, paroxetine can also cause agitation in the subject, bleeding or serotonin syndrome. Nevertheless, it is necessary to avoid an abrupt stop of the intake of the tablet. Indeed, withdrawal could have other repercussions on health.
How long do the side effects of this serotonin reuptake inhibitor last?
The side effects of paroxetine in the above patients are felt from the beginning of treatment. They only manifest themselves for a few weeks and then fade away on their own. This is why we generally speak of a difficult start with paroxetine. However, when the side effects tend not to go away or increase after several weeks, it is strongly advised to consult your doctor. Sometimes, it is enough to readjust the dose of the drug to allow the balance between therapeutic benefits and therapeutic benefits and adverse effects in patients.
