Does Paroxetine 5mg help with anxiety? (3 solutions)
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
In this article, we will explore the effectiveness of Paroxetine 5mg for anxiety. Furthermore, we will also discuss what the research suggests, dosage recommendations, time taken by Paroxetine to work for anxiety, and what to do if the prescribed dose of Paroxetine is not enough for you.
Does Paroxetine 5mg help with anxiety?
Paroxetine 5mg might not effectively help with anxiety. For generalized anxiety disorder, an effective dosage of Paroxetine ranges between 20mg and 50mg per day. Paroxetine 5mg is prescribed for premenstrual dysphoric disorder and may be increased to 30mg per day.
Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant that is FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD).
Paroxetine, also known as Paxil, works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the synaptic regions of the brain. By blocking its reuptake, serotonin levels are increased, resulting in enhanced neurotransmission between the brain cells. Serotonin regulates mood, sleep, appetite, and the body’s stress response (1).
What does research suggest?
Research studies were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Paroxetine when used for social and generalized anxiety disorder. Paroxetine was found to be effective when an initial dose of 20mg per day was given to patients with anxiety.
The dosage range for Paroxetine’s effectiveness was found to be 20mg to 50mg for social and generalized anxiety disorders (2,3). In another clinical trial, 20mg and 40mg per day of Paroxetine were tested for their effectiveness in generalized anxiety disorder. Both doses were found to be efficacious in treating anxiety symptoms.
Paroxetine takes some time to show its complete therapeutic benefits. Some patients may respond after 6 to 8 weeks of antidepressant treatment. However, the response may vary among individuals due to differences in their genetic makeup (4).
What are the dosage recommendations of Paroxetine for anxiety?
The dosage recommendations of Paroxetine are as follows:
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
For adults, 20mg to 60mg per day of Paroxetine is recommended in the treatment of GAD. For elderly patients, the recommended dose of Paroxetine is 10mg to 20mg per day. Paroxetine is taken once a day and if required your doctor may increase the dose by 10mg at weekly intervals (1).
Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
The immediate-release formulation of Paroxetine has the following recommended dosages:
- Adults: 20mg to 60mg per day
- Elderly: 10mg to 40mg per day
- Children aged 8 years and above: 10mg to 50mg per day
The controlled-release formulation of Paroxetine is prescribed at 12.5mg to 37.5mg per day in adults with social anxiety disorder (1). Take Paroxetine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The best time to take Paroxetine depends on the side effects you experience while taking the medication.
How long does Paroxetine take to work for anxiety?
Patients may start feeling improvements in their sleep patterns, appetite, and mood in the early phase of treatment with Paroxetine. However, some individuals may experience worsening of their anxiety symptoms in the early phase.
However, Paroxetine may take up to 6-8 weeks to show its complete therapeutic benefits for anxiety. In some individuals, Paroxetine may take even more than 8 weeks. Paroxetine regulates serotonin levels in the brain cells and the body takes time to adjust to these fluctuations (5).
What to do if Paroxetine dose is not enough for you?
If the prescribed dosage of Paroxetine is not enough for you, you may not feel any improvement in your anxiety symptoms or worsening of the symptoms. If this is the case, you should inform your healthcare provider. They may evaluate your current symptoms and response to the medication.
If necessary, your doctor may adjust the dosage and monitor your response. They may also suggest some therapies or tips to overcome the symptoms of anxiety such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), stress relaxation therapies, breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga.
If your anxiety persists after adjusting the dosage, your doctor may switch you to an alternative antidepressant such as Fluoxetine or Sertraline, that is more suitable for you. However, do not make any changes to your dosage yourself, or stop taking Paroxetine on your own, as antidepressants may cause withdrawal symptoms.
Conclusion
As per my analysis, Paroxetine 5mg is not enough for reducing symptoms of anxiety. We have discussed the recommended doses for generalized and social anxiety disorder in this article.
Antidepressants such as Paroxetine may take up to 8 weeks to show their complete therapeutic effects. If the recommended dose of Paroxetine is not enough for you, inform your healthcare provider so that they can make necessary adjustments.
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References
1.-
Shrestha P, Fariba KA, Abdijadid S. Paroxetine. 2023 Jul 17. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30252278. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30252278/
2.-
Pollack MH, Zaninelli R, Goddard A, McCafferty JP, Bellew KM, Burnham DB, Iyengar MK. Paroxetine in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: results of a placebo-controlled, flexible-dosage trial. J Clin Psychiatry. 2001 May;62(5):350-7. doi: 10.4088/jcp.v62n0508. Erratum in: J Clin Psychiatry 2001 Aug;62(8):658. PMID: 11411817. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11411817/
3.-
Lydiard RB, Bobes J. Therapeutic advances: paroxetine for the treatment of social anxiety disorder. Depress Anxiety. 2000;11(3):99-104. PMID: 10875050. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10875050/
4.-
Rickels K, Zaninelli R, McCafferty J, Bellew K, Iyengar M, Sheehan D. Paroxetine treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Am J Psychiatry. 2003 Apr;160(4):749-56. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.160.4.749. PMID: 12668365. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12668365/
5.-
Bourin M, Chue P, Guillon Y. Paroxetine: a review. CNS Drug Rev. 2001 Spring;7(1):25-47. doi: 10.1111/j.1527-3458.2001.tb00189.x. PMID: 11420571; PMCID: PMC6741642. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11420571/
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