Currently we can find a wide variety of therapies and treatments that help us control or combat symptoms of a large number of disorders and psychological disorders, among which we can find depression.
Taking medication is often necessary to control or help control the symptoms of this and other disorders. However, it is common for there to be some discomfort or resistance to taking psychotropic drugs. The reasons are diverse, ranging from a negative conception of what medication entails to the existence of undesirable side effects. In this sense, some of the most common are alterations in sleep, appetite, energy level or even body weight.
This last aspect may not seem relevant, but it is nevertheless often a reason for complaint, doubt or resistance. Whether or not this possible side effect can occur with respect to a specific drug is something that is consulted with some frequency, such as with antidepressants such as paroxetine. And in this sense it is worth asking Does paroxetine make us fat or cause us to gain weight? Let’s see it throughout this article.
Paroxetine is one of the best known and most used antidepressants being a substance with psychoactive properties that helps combat symptoms such as the presence of anxiety, anguish, sadness, apathy and apathy.
It is a specific serotonin reuptake inhibitor or SSRI, which act by blocking the reuptake by the presynaptic neurons of the emitted serotonin, in such a way that it can remain in the synaptic space and be used by the postsynaptic neurons to a greater extent. In other words, paroxetine promotes an increase in serotonin levels in the brain.
This drug, usually sold in the form of tablets, tablets or liquid suspensions for oral administration, is used primarily in the treatment of major depression. Likewise, it is also often used to treat anxiety typical of disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder or social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia or post-traumatic stress disorders.
Does paroxetine make you fat?
Despite the fact that paroxetine is one of the most used antidepressants and that it is very useful in the treatment of the symptoms of the aforementioned disorders, the truth is that paroxetine also It can cause some unwanted side effects in some people and should even be taken with caution or avoided by others (such as those with kidney or liver failure, or diabetes).
And among the most common side effects (although it is rare) is the one that gives its name to this article: paroxetine can cause weight gain or weight gain. However, it is not the only one, but it is a possible common side effect in many other drugs.
It is necessary to take into account that This weight gain occurs gradually, generally occurring over the long term. However, curiously, paroxetine can also cause weight loss in other patients (which is why it is not indicated in patients with eating disorders).
The specific causes of this gain can be multiple There has been speculation that the slight sedation caused by the consumption of the drug leads to less physical activity, in addition to the fact that paroxetine may cause an increase in appetite in these people. Thus, it is possible that the union of these two factors causes an increase in weight to appear. In addition, the components of the drug can contribute to altering lipid metabolism, something that also has an effect on weight and body volume.
Although it generates a series of discomforts and annoyances, the truth is that paroxetine is a highly valued therapeutic option and whose properties can be very beneficial for the treatment of these ailments. As long as no other severe symptoms arise that require medical consultation, it would be advisable to continue with the treatment and never stop cold turkey (as this can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms).
It would be useful, first of all, to establish some type of record in which possible weight changes can be recorded. It is also recommended to work on eating behavior patterns, maintaining a balanced diet. Likewise, engaging in physical activity can also help reduce or eliminate weight gain.
Even so, in the event that this weight gain or its addition with other factors generates more costs than benefits, You can contact the psychiatrist in order to assess whether there may be other alternative drugs or other amounts that can help avoid these undesirable effects.
