Does Paroxetine make you fat?

At present we can find a wide variety of therapies and treatments that help us control or combat symptoms of a large number of disorders and mental disorders, among which we can find the depression.

Taking medication is often necessary to control or help manage 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 it means to take medication to the existence of undesirable side effects. In this sense, some of the most common are sleep disturbances, appetite, energy level or even body weight.

This last aspect may seem irrelevant, 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 specific drug is something that is frequently consulted, such as antidepressants such as paroxetine. And in this sense it is worth asking Does paroxetine make us fat or make us gain weight? Let's see it throughout this article.

• Related article: "Types of antidepressants: characteristics and effects"

What is paroxetine?

Paroxetine is one of the best known and most widely 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 presynaptic neurons of the emitted serotonin, in such a way so that it can remain in the synaptic space and be used by postsynaptic neurons in greater measure. 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 stress disorders post-traumatic.

Does paroxetine make you fat?

Despite the fact that paroxetine is one of the most widely used antidepressants and that it has a great useful in treating the symptoms of the aforementioned alterations, the truth is that paroxetine also can lead to 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 rare) is the one that gives this article its name: Paroxetine can cause weight gain or 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 in the long term. However, curiously, paroxetine can also cause a decrease or loss of weight 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 leads to less physical activity, in addition to the fact that paroxetine can cause the appearance of 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 to this, the components of the drug can contribute to alter lipid metabolism, something that also has an effect on body weight and volume.

• You may be interested: "Obesity: psychological factors involved in being overweight"

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

Although it generates a series of discomforts and discomfort, the truth is that paroxetine is an option highly valued therapeutic and 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 quit suddenly (as this can lead to dangerous withdrawal symptoms).

It would be useful in the first place to establish some type of register in which to record possible changes in weight. It is also recommended to work on eating behavior patterns, maintaining a balanced diet. Likewise, being physically active can also help 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 other alternative drugs or other amounts that can help avoid these undesirable effects.

Bibliographic references:

• Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (2016). Package leaflet: information for the patient. Paroxetine Mylan 20 mg film-coated tablets.
• Goodman & Gilman (2014). Pharmacotherapy of depression and anxiety disorders. Manual of pharmacology and therapeutics. McGraw-Hill.