Does Paxil Cause Weight Gain? — Talkspace

Paxil, also referred to as paroxetine because the generic, is an antidepressant medicine within the class of medication referred to as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It’s used for melancholy, anxiousness problems, and different psychological well being situations. While it may possibly successfully deal with these situations, like most medicines, Paxil has uncomfortable side effects that may have an effect on each bodily and psychological well being. One of the much less frequent uncomfortable side effects of Paxil is weight achieve. 

If you’ve not too long ago began taking Paxil (otherwise you’re contemplating beginning it), you ought to be conscious of the opportunity of gaining weight and why it occurs.

Read on — we’re exploring Paxil weight achieve right here. Then, you can also make extra knowledgeable selections about your remedy plan.

Does Paxil Cause Weight Gain?

Not everybody who takes Paxil will see a rise in weight. In medical trials, about 1% of members skilled weight achieve. The quantity of potential Paxil weight achieve relies on components like dosage, how lengthy you’re on Paxil and particular person metabolism. 

It’s even potential for folks taking Paxil to expertise weight reduction or keep their present physique weight whereas on the medicine. That mentioned, some analysis suggests Paxil is extra more likely to trigger weight achieve than different SSRIs. 

“Paxil may cause weight gain. It is not common, but possible. Please speak with your doctor if you have any concerns.”

– Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Dion Metzger

How a lot weight do you achieve on Paxil?

Some analysis exhibits that the longer you’re on Paxil — longer than 6 months — the extra probably you’ll achieve weight. The quantity you’ll achieve can range, and even analysis conflicts on this level. There isn’t one constant algorithm about Paxil and weight achieve.  

Why Do You Gain Weight on Paxil?

Increased urge for food, a consequence of Paxil’s impact on serotonin ranges within the mind, is likely to be one of many main causes of weight achieve from Paxil. 

Furthermore, its soothing results and fatigue might trigger some folks to develop into much less lively, which may contribute considerably to gaining further kilos over time. 

Lastly, water retention attributable to Paxil consumption can briefly add physique weight with none fats accumulation. This sort of “false” weight achieve ought to resolve when you discontinue the medicine or modify your dosage in line with your physician’s directions.

Does Paxil Cause More Weight Gain Than Prozac?

Research means that Paxil may cause considerably extra weight achieve than Prozac. In reality, in some research, individuals who took Prozac or Zoloft solely noticed a “modest but non-significant” enhance in weight compared.

How to Avoid Gaining Weight on Paxil

Simple life-style adjustments like consuming a balanced weight-reduction plan and exercising usually can cut back the chance of Paxil weight achieve.  

Exercising

Exercise is an efficient technique to keep wholesome physique weight and counteract any potential weight achieve from an antidepressant medicine like Paxil. Regular train helps burn energy, which prevents fats storage within the physique. Exercise additionally releases endorphins, which reduces stress and improves moods naturally. Aim for half-hour of average bodily exercise, 5 days every week for optimum well being advantages when taking antidepressants like Paxil.

“The best way to help reduce the weight gain associated with Paxil is with lifestyle changes. These changes include eating healthier and incorporating physical activity into your weekly routine.”

– Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Dion Metzger

Monitoring your consuming habits

Eating wholesome meals can forestall you from placing on these undesirable kilos. Whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and greens will give your physique all of the vitamins it wants whereas preserving unhealthy cravings at bay. Avoiding processed meals which might be excessive in sugar or saturated fat can cut back caloric consumption and assist preserve off further kilos related to antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicine.

Tracking your weight

Tracking your progress by weighing your self usually is one other useful gizmo for avoiding gaining an excessive amount of weight whereas taking a prescription medicine like Paxil. Weighing your self as soon as every week will assist you to acknowledge if adjustments are taking place shortly, so changes may be made accordingly.

Adjusting the dose

If you’re feeling weight achieve from Paxil is extreme attributable to your medicine, speak together with your physician to obtain correct medical recommendation. They might counsel adjusting or altering doses till a correct steadiness has been achieved. Just attempt to keep away from quitting chilly turkey, as this can lead to Paxil withdrawal.  

Talk to Your Doctor About Paxil Side Effects

You ought to at all times focus on the uncomfortable side effects and potential signs of any drug you’re contemplating taking together with your physician. Paxil weight achieve isn’t a assure, but it surely is a potential aspect impact. Before taking this or any drug, ask your physician about potential weight-related points and the way it may be prevented. 

At Talkspace, we perceive the significance of discussing uncomfortable side effects from medicine like Paxil earlier than beginning them — particularly when it’s associated to bodily well being, resembling gaining weight. Our licensed prescribers are prepared and prepared to reply questions relating to psychological well being issues, remedy plans, or getting Paxil on-line, so don’t hesitate to succeed in out to us at this time to get began with residing your life to its fullest. Get related with an on-line psychiatrist at this time.