Does Paxil Trigger Weight Acquire? — Talkspace

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

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

Learn on — we’re exploring Paxil weight achieve right here. Then, you may make extra knowledgeable selections about your therapy plan.

Does Paxil Trigger Weight Acquire?

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

It’s even doable for folks taking Paxil to expertise weight reduction or preserve their present physique weight whereas on the remedy. That mentioned, some analysis suggests Paxil is extra prone to trigger weight achieve than different SSRIs. 

“Paxil might trigger weight achieve. It’s not widespread, however doable. Please communicate together with your physician you probably have any issues.”

– Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Dion Metzger

How a lot weight do you achieve on Paxil?

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

Why Do You Acquire Weight on Paxil?

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

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

Lastly, water retention resulting from Paxil consumption can quickly add physique weight with none fats accumulation. This kind of “false” weight achieve ought to resolve when you discontinue the remedy or alter your dosage in line with your physician’s directions.

Does Paxil Trigger Extra Weight Acquire Than Prozac?

Analysis means that Paxil may cause considerably extra weight achieve than Prozac. Actually, in some research, individuals who took Prozac or Zoloft solely noticed a “modest however non-significant” improve in weight compared.

The best way to Keep away from Gaining Weight on Paxil

Easy way of life modifications like consuming a balanced food regimen and exercising recurrently can scale back the chance of Paxil weight achieve.  

Exercising

Train is an efficient solution to preserve wholesome physique weight and counteract any potential weight achieve from an antidepressant remedy like Paxil. Common train helps burn energy, which prevents fats storage within the physique. Train additionally releases endorphins, which reduces stress and improves moods naturally. Purpose for half-hour of reasonable bodily exercise, 5 days every week for optimum well being advantages when taking antidepressants like Paxil.

“One of the simplest ways to assist scale back the burden achieve related to Paxil is with way of life modifications. These modifications embrace consuming more healthy and incorporating bodily exercise into your weekly routine.”

– Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Dion Metzger

Monitoring your consuming habits

Maintaining a healthy diet meals can forestall you from placing on these undesirable kilos. Complete grains, lean proteins, fruits, and greens will give your physique all of the vitamins it wants whereas conserving unhealthy cravings at bay. Avoiding processed meals which might be excessive in sugar or saturated fat can scale back caloric consumption and assist maintain off further kilos related to antidepressants and anti-anxiety remedy.

Monitoring your weight

Monitoring your progress by weighing your self recurrently is one other useful gizmo for avoiding gaining an excessive amount of weight whereas taking a prescription remedy like Paxil. Weighing your self as soon as every week will will let you acknowledge if modifications are occurring shortly, so changes may be made accordingly.

Adjusting the dose

In case you really feel weight achieve from Paxil is extreme resulting from your remedy, speak together with your physician to obtain correct medical recommendation. They might recommend adjusting or altering doses till a correct stability has been achieved. Simply attempt to keep away from quitting chilly turkey, as this may end up in Paxil withdrawal.  

Discuss to Your Physician About Paxil Facet Results

You must all the time focus on the unwanted 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 doable aspect impact. Earlier than taking this or any drug, ask your physician about potential weight-related points and the way it may be averted. 

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