The pharmaceutical industry is a multi-billion dollar business, and the market for antidepressants is a particularly lucrative one. It would be naive to think that drug companies don’t want to make as much money as possible, and antidepressants are a prime example of a drug with high market share and profit potential.
One of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants is paroxetine, also known as Paxil and Seroxat.
While there is plenty of evidence that antidepressants can be extremely effective in the treatment of depression, there is also a lot of research to suggest that they may come with some rather serious side effects.
Because of this, it’s paramount that you and your doctor discuss the potential risks before opting for a drug treatment. As with any newly prescribed medication, you should be aware of the warning signs of adverse reactions so that you can seek medical help right away if you experience them. Below, we’ll discuss the side effects of paroxetine and viagra, and what you need to know about them.
Arthritis
One of the more common side effects of paroxetine is arthritis. According to the FDA, up to 4% of people taking Paxil develop some form of arthritis. The good news is that this side effect is usually mild and doesn’t last longer than six months. Still, since this is such a common side effect, it’s something to be aware of.
With arthritis, your joints become more prone to injury and damage. This could lead to a host of problems from mild discomfort to debilitating pain. If you experience any of these problems, it’s imperative that you talk to your doctor about alternative treatments. He may be able to prescribe you something to relieve the pain and inflammation.
Dry Mouth
Another rather common side effect of paroxetine is dry mouth. According to the FDA, up to 14% of users experience dry mouth, with some people even reporting a worsening of their symptoms with the use of tobacco products. While dry mouth can be rather frustrating, especially if you experience it alongside other oral health problems (like cavities or gingivitis), it’s usually not harmful. Still, if it’s a cause for concern for you or your dentist, you might want to try and cut back on your chemical exposure or see if there is an alternative treatment available.
Nasal Congestion
Another side effect of paroxetine that can be pretty unpleasant is nasal congestion. In a recent study, 11% of people taking Paxil complained of severe nasal congestion. While this may not seem like a big deal, stuffy noses can be a serious health issue if it persists for long periods of time. If you experience this side effect and do not feel better after taking your medication, seek medical help right away. You may need an antibiotic or decongestant to relieve your nose of its stuffiness.
Indigestion
A fairly common side effect of paroxetine is indigestion. In one survey, 12% of users complained of having heartburn or acid reflux along with their medication. While heartburn and acid reflux are common complaints among users of acid-blocking medications, it’s still a side effect that needs to be monitored for. If you experience these problems, try taking your medication at different times of the day or seek medical help right away. Just because your acid levels are lowered does not mean that you can eat whatever you want without consequence.
Confusion
For a subset of people taking paroxetine, a rather serious side effect is confusion. In a survey of over 12,000 people, 0.9% of users complained of feeling mentally slow or having mild memory loss. If you experience this side effect, it’s imperative that you rule out other causes (like mental disorder or Alzheimer’s disease) and seek medical help as soon as possible. While memory loss is usually a non-issue for those who are still actively engaged in daily living, mild mental impairment can interfere with your daily functioning. This is why it’s essential to be aware of this side effect and know how to manage it properly.
Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the more common side effects of paroxetine. In the aforementioned survey, 8% of people taking Paxil reported feeling anxious or nervous. As with any other medication, there is a risk of anxiety getting worse over time. If you experience anxiety alongside other mental or physical health problems, this can make the difference between effectiveness and ineffectiveness of your medication. It’s important that you monitor your anxiety levels throughout treatment and report any concerns to your doctor.
Tremor
Tremor, or shakiness, is another side effect of paroxetine that can be quite irritating. In one survey, 4.5% of people taking Paxil complained of having this involuntary jerky movement. While this may not seem like a serious problem, it is something to be mindful of. If this continues to be a significant issue for you, you may want to try a different antidepressant or monitor your medication intake more closely.
Fainting
For a small percentage of people taking paroxetine, a rather serious side effect is fainting. In the aforementioned study, 0.7% of users dropped to the floor from a faint, with 1.6% of all respondents reporting this type of reaction. If you experience fainting alongside other health problems, especially if there is a history of irregular heart rhythms in your family, this could be a serious issue. If you are prone to fainting, try a different medication or monitor your medication intake closely. Just because your acid levels are lowered does not mean that you are safe to assume that you can always feel more confident.
Premature Osteoporosis
Another side effect of paroxetine that needs to be monitored closely is premature osteoporosis. In the same study, 4% of users taking Paxil experienced low bone mineral density. According to the FDA, patients with major depressive disorder (including those taking antidepressants) have a 20% increased risk of osteoporosis. While this is not an immediate threat for most people, if you have a history of this in your family, you may want to be extra careful when taking any medication. Luckily, this is usually a transient side effect and most people do not have to worry about it long-term. Still, if you experience any type of bone fracture (especially in the hip or vertebrae), you may want to consider changing medications or using alternative treatments to increase bone density. Otherwise, you could be at risk for more serious complications.
Blurred Vision
A small percentage of people taking paroxetine experience blurred vision. In the aforementioned survey, 0.6% complained of having dizziness or seeing double. This can be quite frustrating if you are already experiencing other problems with your vision (like dry eyes or blurry vision) or if it is a recurring problem for you. If you experience this side effect, try a different medication or monitor your medication intake closely. Just because your acid levels are lowered does not mean that you can eat whatever you want without consequence.
Sexual Dysfunction
A small percentage of people taking paroxetine experience sexual dysfunction. In the aforementioned survey, 0.4% of users complained of having erectile dysfunction alongside their medication. This is rather odd since paroxetine is used to treat women with depression, and most cases of erectile dysfunction are with men who have trouble getting or maintaining an erection. Still, if you experience this particular side effect, it’s important that you talk to your doctor about alternative treatments. Many people find that taking vitamin E supplements help with sexual dysfunction. However, if this continues to be a problem, you may want to try a different medication or ask your doctor about other options.
Constipation
For some people taking paroxetine, a side effect is constipation. In one survey, 4% of people complained of having this bowel movement as a result of their medication. While this usually is not a major issue, especially for those who take it daily, it’s still worth noting. If this becomes a chronic problem for you, it could be a sign that you are not taking the correct dose or that your doctor should re-adjust it. In addition, some people want to take a break from taking paroxetine during the night since it tends to cause sleep disturbance. But since this is such a common side effect, it’s something to be aware of.