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Re: Paxil-side effects, weight gain » Lou

Posted by Cam W. on October 20, 2001, at 8:21:21

In reply to Paxil-side effects, weight gain, posted by Lou on October 20, 2001, at 4:55:01

Lou - The weight gain caused by Paxil™ (paroxetine) is probably multi-factorial. One obvious reason why Paxil causes weight gain is due to it's antimuscarinic effects. The blocking of this acetylcholine receptor is known to cause weight gain. Paxil also seems to cause carbohyrate (and possibly fat) cravings. It may also have something to do with modifying certain serotonin receptors involved in controlling hunger and saiety.

Most people have trouble losing the Paxil-induced weight even if they stop the drug. Recent studies have shown that, while making your heart and lungs stronger, exercise will do little to take off weight gained by SSRIs or atypical antipsychotics. Some researchers have gone as far as to say that weight gain with SSRIs (particularily Paxil) and especially with the atypical antipsychotics may be an irreversible side effect of the drugs (much along the lines of tardive dyskinesia is in the older, traditional antipsychotics).

Usually though, weight gain with SSRIs does plateau, after a year or so of starting the drug. Thirty kilos is a lot of weight to gain, and it may be adviseable to seek medical help to combat this sort of weight gain (depending upon your original, pre-Paxil, and current, body mass index, the condition of your heart, and your genetic predisposition to type II diabetes, etc.).

Some advice I do give to those starting Paxil is to closely watch their diet, especially over the first four or five months. Keeping a diary of everything one eats is helpful in noticing changes in eating habits. The weight gain with Paxil is insidious. Most people will initially lose weight when starting Paxil, and will not notice the change in their eating habits, nor the weight they are gaining, until their clothes do not fit anymore.

A strict, doctor- &/or nutritionist-controlled dieting program may help you shed some weight. A controlled exercise program will strengthen your body and help you to carry the extra weight more safely. Fad diets and diet pills can, in many cases, cause more harm than good.

Sorry that I have not much good news, but your doctor can help you, or refer you to a specialist that can help. You can start by tossing out the junk food and eat more raw vegetables and fruits.

- Cam


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poster:Cam W. thread:81762
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011015/msgs/81764.html