Does Paroxetine increase heart rate? (5 factors)
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 whether Paroxetine increases heart rate. Furthermore, we will discuss what the research suggests, contributing factors, precautions, and what to do if you experience an increased heart rate while taking Paroxetine.
Does Paroxetine increase heart rate?
Paroxetine may or may not increase the heart rate in individuals taking it for anxiety and depression. Paroxetine has a lower risk of cardiovascular effects. However, the response to Paroxetine varies from person to person.
Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and other related mental conditions.
Paxil works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain cells. Serotonin regulates sleep, mood, appetite, and the body’s stress response. Other SSRIs may also affect heart rate, such as Zoloft and Celexa.
What does research suggest about Paroxetine and increased heart rate?
According to a research study, the heart’s electrical activity was monitored before and after 4 weeks of treatment with Paroxetine. The study suggested that there was no detectable change in the heart rate in both groups, Paroxetine and placebo (1).
In another clinical study, patients with panic disorder experienced an increased heart rate during panic attacks. This study suggested that when Paroxetine was given to panic disorder patients, their heart rate normalized along with their response to certain conditions (2).
Additionally, a research study indicated that Paroxetine, when prescribed in therapeutic doses does not affect heart rate, blood pressure, or the heart’s electrical activity. This study suggested Paroxetine does not harm the heart and is a safer treatment option compared to other antidepressants (3).
Only one case has been reported so far for Paroxetine-induced QTc prolongation in the heart’s electrical activity; however, this is a rare case as Paroxetine is known to be less harmful to the heart (4).
What factors influence heart rate while taking Paroxetine?
The factors that may influence heart rate while taking Paroxetine include:
- Individual sensitivity to Paroxetine and the patient’s age may impact heart rate.
- Higher doses of Paroxetine may have different effects compared to lower doses.
- Underlying heart conditions or family history.
- Concomitant use of other medications while taking Paroxetine.
- Psychological factors such as stress and anxiety can also affect heart rate.
What precautions should be taken while taking Paroxetine?
The following precautions should be taken while taking Paroxetine:
- Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Paroxetine before they prescribe it to you.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) should not be prescribed with Paroxetine or within 2 weeks of Paroxetine discontinuation due to the risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Paroxetine should not be used during pregnancy as it may cause heart problems in fetuses and newborns.
- Avoid driving while taking Paroxetine as it may cause drowsiness.
- Paroxetine should not be taken in patients aged 65 or older as it may increase the risk of side effects (5,6).
What to do if you experience increased heart rate with Paroxetine?
If you experience increased heart rate while taking Paroxetine, please reach out to your healthcare provider. They may evaluate your current symptoms, family or medical history, and response to the medication.
If necessary, your healthcare provider may adjust the dosage of Paroxetine and monitor your response. However, when used with precautions, Paroxetine is generally a safe and effective medication with no significant effects on the heart.
Paroxetine is comparatively safe in overdose. If you accidentally consume 20mg tablet twice, you may not experience life-threatening effects. But you should always take your medicine with caution (5).
Conclusion
In my opinion, Paxil when prescribed in therapeutic doses, does not have a significant effect on heart rate. However, if you experience an increased heart rate with Paxil, which is rare, please reach out to your healthcare provider. Generally, Paxil is a safe and effective treatment compared to other antidepressants.
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References
1.-
Edwards JG, Goldie A, Papayanni-Papasthatis S. Effect of paroxetine on the electrocardiogram. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1989;97(1):96-8. doi: 10.1007/BF00443420. PMID: 2523548. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2523548/
2.-
Tucker P, Adamson P, Miranda R Jr, Scarborough A, Williams D, Groff J, McLean H. Paroxetine increases heart rate variability in panic disorder. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 1997 Oct;17(5):370-6. doi: 10.1097/00004714-199710000-00006. PMID: 9315988. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9315988/
3.-
Warrington SJ, Lewis Y. Cardiovascular effects of antidepressants: studies of paroxetine in healthy men and depressed patients. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 1992 Jun;6 Suppl 4:59-64. PMID: 1431013. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1431013/
4.-
Otsuka Y. Paroxetine-induced QTc prolongation. J Gen Fam Med. 2017 Sep 25;18(6):442-445. doi: 10.1002/jgf2.137. PMID: 29264083; PMCID: PMC5729323. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5729323/
5.-
Boyer WF, Blumhardt CL. The safety profile of paroxetine. J Clin Psychiatry. 1992 Feb;53 Suppl:61-6. PMID: 1531828. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1531828/
6.-
Paroxetine-MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [Last Revised – 01/15/2022]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a698032.html
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