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What Are The Side Effects Of Paxil?

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Posted on Mon, 6 Apr 2015
Question: I have been on Paxil 20 mg for almost six years and have gained about 30 lbs. If I go back down to 10 mg, will I lose the weight, have side effects and will 10 mg be effective in treating anxiety and mood disorder?
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Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Reduction of doses will reduce the weight gain

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

Paxil is Paroxetine and belongs to SSRI group of drugs. The drug is known to cause sedation and weight gain as common side effects. You have gained about 30 lbs weight on 20 mg dose.

If the doses are reduced to 10 mg even then you will not loose weight. The gain in weight would be reduced but weight loss will not occur. To decrease that weight gain you have to exercise daily.

10 mg would be good dose to control mood and anxiety symptoms. Reduce the doses by gradual tapering and this will prevent any withdrawal symptoms. Instead 10 mg doses controlled release 12.5 mg dose can be taken with consultation of your doctor. This will provide long term control of symptoms.

Thanks, please don't hesitate to ask again for more doubts.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5193 Questions

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What Are The Side Effects Of Paxil?

Brief Answer: Reduction of doses will reduce the weight gain Detailed Answer: Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries Paxil is Paroxetine and belongs to SSRI group of drugs. The drug is known to cause sedation and weight gain as common side effects. You have gained about 30 lbs weight on 20 mg dose. If the doses are reduced to 10 mg even then you will not loose weight. The gain in weight would be reduced but weight loss will not occur. To decrease that weight gain you have to exercise daily. 10 mg would be good dose to control mood and anxiety symptoms. Reduce the doses by gradual tapering and this will prevent any withdrawal symptoms. Instead 10 mg doses controlled release 12.5 mg dose can be taken with consultation of your doctor. This will provide long term control of symptoms. Thanks, please don't hesitate to ask again for more doubts.