Paroxetine is a drug that helps the individual maintain mental balance. Specifically, it is used as a treatment for depression, panic disorders, social anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder or also in cases of generalized anxiety disorder, among others. It should always be prescribed by a health professional.
Have you heard of that medicine? Do you know its side effects? In this Psychology-Online article we are going to understand What paroxetine is for, its contraindications, its benefits and its side effects.
What is paroxetine
Paroxetine is a medication that is part of a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitorsa substance that aims to treat depression and other mental and psychological illnesses.
The main function of paroxetine is to increase the amount of serotonin, a natural substance that our brain already has and, in this way, help the individual maintain mental balance.
Generally, the individual who begins treatment with paroxetine is prescribed an initial dose of 10 mg or 20 mg per day. Later, if necessary, the doctor tends to increase it to doses of 20 mg or 50 mg per day.
Paroxetine is a substance that is usually prescribed for use in the morning. It is only prescribed to be taken at night in cases where the individual experiences drowsiness during the day and it is necessary to treat it.
What is paroxetine used for?
If you are wondering what paroxetine is for, its goal is to improve and balance the individual’s mental state. This substance is indicated to treat the following disorders:
- Depression: severe mood disorder. In this article, we tell you.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder: Paroxetine helps the individual with their intrusive thoughts and the need to carry out some actions compulsively. In this article you will find more information about the,
- Social anxiety disorder: If you want to know how to treat it, in this article we give you.
- Life distress disorder: be with me without agoraphobia, here you will see.
- Generalized anxiety disorder: Paroxetine is used to treat the person’s extreme fear of interacting, excessive worry that is difficult to control, and other symptoms that prevent leading a normal life. Find out more about him.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder: Paroxetine helps the person with the psychological symptoms that develop after a traumatic and frightening event. Don’t miss this article if you want to know.
- panic disorder: Helps in those sudden and unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry. Discover the symptoms and treatment of .
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder,
- Hot flashes during menopause: For sudden sensations of heat during this vital stage, especially in the face, neck and chest, paroxetine is not always effective.
There are some cases in which paroxetine is recommended for the treatment of chronic headaches, tingling in the hands and feet caused by diabetes, and certain male sexual problems.
What are the side effects of paroxetine
What effects does paroxetine produce? The use of paroxetine may cause some conditions as a reaction to medication. Let’s see what the side effects of paroxetine are:
- Drowsiness.
- .
- Congenital malformation in fetuses.
- .
- Dizziness.
- Weakness.
- Difficult to focus.
- .
- Confusion.
- Nausea.
- .
- .
- Constipation.
- Flatulence.
- Stomachache.
- Decreased appetite.
- Weight loss or gain.
- Dry mouth.
- Sweating.
- Yawns.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Pain in back, muscles or anywhere in the body.
- Joint tenderness or inflammation.
- Blush.
It is relevant to add that paroxetine can produce withdrawal syndrome, that is, when the medication is abruptly withdrawn, especially in people who have taken high doses for a long period of time. This syndrome involves the appearance of dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety or insomnia after 48 or 72 hours after withdrawing the drug. To avoid this, the Treatment must be supervised by a healthcare professional.
Contraindications of taking paroxetine
According to the patient’s situation, it is not good to take this medicine. Let’s see what the contraindications of taking paroxetine are:
- In pregnant women: Paroxetine offers an increased risk of congenital malformations in fetuses. Therefore, this substance is not advisable to be used during pregnancy. The doctor must look for other alternatives and treatment proposals for women in this condition.
- Mix with other drugs: Using paroxetine in combination with other medications can also cause dangerous side effects.
- In cases of diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease and bleeding disorders: Pay attention to combined use with other drugs that affect platelet function. In these cases, paroxetine can also cause psychomotor agitation in the first weeks or suicidal thoughts in patients with a history of this type of behavior.
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 Paroxetine: what it is, what it is for and side effectswe recommend that you enter our category.
Bibliography
- Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products. (2020). Information for the patient. https://cima.aemps.es/cima/pdfs/es/ft/59468/FT_59468.pdf
- Medline Plus. (2018). Paroxetine. Retrieved from: https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/druginfo/meds/a698032-es.html
- Vademecum (2018). Paroxetine. Retrieved from: https://www.vademecum.es/principios-trabajos-paroxetina-n06ab05