Is Paroxetine fattening?

This Antidepressant psychopharmaceutical is widely used to treat certain mood disorders.

Nowadays we can find a wide variety of therapies and treatments that help us to control or combat symptoms of a great number of disorders and psychic alterations, among which we can find depression.

Taking medication is often necessary to control or help control the symptoms of depression. to control or help control the symptoms of this and other disorders. However, it is common that there is some discomfort or resistance to the fact of taking psychotropic drugs. The reasons are diverse, ranging from a negative conception of what medication implies 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 very relevant, but nevertheless it is often a cause for complaint, doubt or resistance. Whether or not this possible side effect can occur with respect to a particular drug is something that is frequently asked about, for example with antidepressants such as paroxetine. And in this regard it is worth asking Is paroxetine fattening or does it make us gain weight? Let's see it throughout this article.

What is paroxetine?

Paroxetine is one of the best known and most widely used antidepressantsIt is a substance with psychoactive properties that helps to combat symptoms such as the presence of anxiety, anguish, sadness, abulia and apathy.

It is a specific serotonin reuptake inhibitor or SSRI.which act by blocking the reuptake of the released serotonin by the presynaptic neurons, so 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, pills or liquid suspensions for oral administration, is mainly used in the treatment of major depression. It is also often used to treat anxiety associated with disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder or social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Is paroxetine fattening?

Despite the fact that paroxetine is one of the most widely used antidepressants and that it is very useful in the treatment of the symptoms of the aforementioned disorders, the truth is that paroxetine can also generate some unwanted side effects in some people. can generate some unwanted side effects in some people, and it should be taken with precaution.and should even be taken with caution or avoided by others (such as those with renal or hepatic failure, or with diabetes).

And among the most common side effects (although 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; it is a possible side effect common to many other drugs.

It is necessary to take into account that this weight gain occurs gradually, usually over a long period of time.It usually occurs in the long term. Interestingly, however, paroxetine can also lead to weight loss or 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. It has been speculated that the slight sedation caused by taking the drug may lead to less physical activity, and that paroxetine may even cause an increase in appetite in such individuals. Thus, it is possible that the combination of these two factors may lead to an increase in weight. In addition, the components of the drug may contribute to alter the metabolism of lipids, which also has an effect on body weight and volume.

If I gain weight... what should I do?

Although it generates a series of discomforts and inconveniences, the truth is that paroxetine is a highly valued therapeutic option whose properties can be very beneficial for the treatment of these ailments. As long as there are no other severe symptoms that require medical consultation, it would be advisable to continue with the treatment and never to stop it suddenly (since it is not necessary to take paroxetine). and never stop suddenly (as this can lead to dangerous withdrawal symptoms).

It would be useful first of all to establish some kind of record in which to note any possible changes in weight. It is also recommended to work on eating patterns, maintaining a balanced diet. Physical activity can also help to reduce or eliminate weight gain.

Even so, in the event that this weight gain or its sum with other factors generates more costs than benefits, the psychiatrist can be contacted in order to assess whether there may be alternative drugs or other quantities that may help to avoid these undesirable effects. or other quantities that can help to avoid these undesirable effects.