Can Paxil affect your heart? (3+ findings)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
This article will cover a number of topics related to Paxil’s potential effects on the heart, including whether or not it causes heart problems, how the drug affects the heart, research studies on the drug’s effects on heart health, the long-term effects of Paxil on heart function, additional factors that may aggravate heart problems, and Paxil alternatives in the event that heart problems develop.
Can Paxil affect your heart?
Paxil can affect your heart by increasing your heartbeats or causing arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats). However, Paxil is regarded as a safe medication. (1)
Paxil is the brand name of the medication paroxetine, an antidepressant that belongs to the SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) class of medication.
Individuals differ in their response to medications. Arrhythmia is not common in most individuals who take Paxil and can happen only with high dosages of the medication.
How does Paxil affect your heart?
Paxil’s mode of action may have an impact on your heart. Paxil functions by increasing and rebalancing the amount of serotonin, a naturally occurring neurotransmitter in the brain.
Excessive Paxil dosages can occasionally cause the brain’s serotonin levels to rise too high, which can result in a condition known as serotonin syndrome.
Serotonin syndrome is a life-threatening condition that is characterized by many adverse symptoms including fast and irregular heartbeats, vomiting, ataxia (lack of coordination), and hallucinations. (2)
What does research suggest?
According to research, SSRIs including Paxil may make some people more likely to develop QT prolongation, a particular kind of cardiac rhythm disturbance, especially in patients diagnosed with cardiac diseases. (3)
According to a different research study, Paxil users had a slightly higher chance of experiencing a small increase in their HR (Heart Rate) than placebo users. And that Paxil can cause cardiac-related side effects in some individuals such as arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats). (4)
It is crucial to remember that Paxil is thought to have a minimal risk of cardiac-related adverse effects, and the great majority of patients using Paxil do not have any significant cardiac problems.
What are the long-term effects of Paxil on heart function?
There is no solid evidence connecting long-term Paxil use to any significant long-term cardiac side effects. As with any drug, though, it’s crucial to be mindful of any possible side effects and to keep a close eye on your health when taking the medication.
Long-term Paxil use has been linked in some studies to a slight increase in HR and arrhythmia. However, this is usually regarded as an uncommon adverse effect and is usually observed in patients who have co-morbidities like cardiac-related diseases. (3)
What other factors may aggravate heart problems while taking Paxil?
There are several factors that can aggravate heart problems while taking Paxil, some of which include:
Underlying medical conditions
There are certain medical conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases such as CHD (Coronary Heart Disease) and HF (Heart Failure), high LDL cholesterol, and diabetes can increase heart-related problems while taking Paxil. (5)
Concomitant medications
There are several medications that can aggravate heart problems while taking Paxil such as antihypertensives, stimulants, cancer medications like chemotherapy, TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor) inhibitors, anti-diabetics, and NSAIDs (Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs). (6)
Lifestyle factors
Certain lifestyle factors such as Lack of exercise, smoking, obesity, and lack of nutritious diet can all aggravate heart problems while taking Paxil. Lack of exercise and obesity indicate poor blood circulation and poor circulation can lead to heart-related problems. (5)
Medication dose
High doses of Paxil can aggravate heart problems. Paxil is an SSRI antidepressant. Increasing the serotonin level can lead to a life-threatening condition known as serotonin syndrome which can aggravate heart problems and cause arrhythmia.
What are suitable Paxil alternatives if it affects your heart?
If taking Paxil affects your heart, your healthcare provider might reduce your dose or switch you to suitable alternatives such as:
Other SSRIs antidepressants
Fluoxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, and citalopram are well-tolerated with few adverse events, your healthcare provider may prescribe any of these medications as an alternative to Paxil if it causes heart problems. (4), (7)
NDRIs antidepressants
Norepinephrine and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors are another class of antidepressants that were shown to be effective in treating depression such as Wellbutrin (bupropion). Wellbutin was shown to be effective and safe in cardiovascular-diseased patients. (8)
SNRIs antidepressants
Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors including venlafaxine (Effexor), and duloxetine (Cymbalta) were proven effective in treating depression and have minimal side effects on the heart. However, you should exercise caution because high doses can cause an increase in HR. (9)
Conclusion
Based on my knowledge and research, Paxil can rarely affect your heart and cause arrhythmia. However, if you experience heart-related problems while taking Paxil, consult your healthcare provider about reducing your medication dose or switching to a suitable alternative with fewer adverse events.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Taking paroxetine with other medicines and herbal supplements [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2022 [cited 2023 Nov 10]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/paroxetine/taking-paroxetine-with-other-medicines-and-herbal-supplements/#:~:text=any%20medicines%20that%20affect%20your
2.-
Shrestha P, Fariba KA, Abdijadid S. Paroxetine [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526022/#:~:text=Paroxetine%20is%20a%20selective%20serotonin,disorder%2C%20and%20premenstrual%20dysphoric%20disorder.
3.-
Tisdale JE, Chung MK, Campbell KB, Hammadah M, Joglar JA, Leclerc J, et al. Drug-Induced arrhythmias: A scientific statement from the american heart association. Circulation. 2020 Sep 15;142(15). Available from: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000905
4.-
Nevels RM, Gontkovsky ST, Williams BE. Paroxetine-The Antidepressant from Hell? Probably Not, But Caution Required. Psychopharmacology bulletin [Internet]. 2016;46(1):77–104. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5044489/
5.-
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart Disease and Stroke [Internet]. www.cdc.gov. 2022. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/factsheets/heart-disease-stroke.htm#:~:text=Leading%20risk%20factors%20for%20heart
6.-
Cristol H. Heart Failure and Medication: Is There a Link? [Internet]. WebMD. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-failure/meds-cause-heart-failure
7.-
Yekehtaz H, Farokhnia M, Akhondzadeh S. Cardiovascular considerations in antidepressant therapy: an evidence-based review. The journal of Tehran Heart Center [Internet]. 2013;8(4):169–76. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4434967/
8.-
Roose SP, Dalack GW, Glassman AH, Woodring S, B. Timothy Walsh, Giardina EV. Cardiovascular effects of bupropion in depressed patients with heart disease. American Journal of Psychiatry. 1991 Apr 1;148(4):512–6. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1900980/
9.-
Yekehtaz H, Farokhnia M, Akhondzadeh S. Cardiovascular Considerations in Antidepressant Therapy: An Evidence-Based Review. The Journal of Tehran University Heart Center [Internet]. 2013 Oct 28;8(4):169–76. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4434967/#:~:text=In%20addition%20to%20serotonin%2C%20SNRIs,rate%20and%20systemic%20blood%20pressure.
Find a supportive therapist who can help with Depression.
Discover the convenience of BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connecting you with licensed and accredited therapists specialized in addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Complete the assessment and find your ideal therapist within just 48 hours.
AskYourPharm is user-supported. We may earn a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp’s services after clicking through from this site
