Does Paroxetine make you feel numb? (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 aim to answer the query: “Does Paroxetine make you feel numb?” Furthermore, we will also discuss why Paroxetine causes this side effect, what research suggests, what users experience, and what to do if you experience emotional numbness while taking Paroxetine.
Does Paroxetine make you feel numb?
Paroxetine may make you feel numb, and it is a common side effect. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) antidepressants are known to cause emotional blunting. However, not everyone feels emotionally numb as a side effect of antidepressants; some may feel this way as a result of depression itself.
Paroxetine is an SSRI that works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, in the synaptic regions of the brain. Due to this inhibition, serotonin levels are increased in the brain cells and remain in the synaptic region for longer periods.
Serotonin regulates mood, sleep, appetite, and the body’s stress response (1). Emotional blunting is a condition in which an individual does not feel any kind of emotion, such as love, fear, or anger. Such individuals also find it difficult to emotionally connect to their loved ones (2).
Why does Paroxetine make you feel numb?
Paroxetine makes you feel numb as it affects the serotonin levels in brain regions. Serotonin regulates an individual’s response to stress and decision-making abilities. Paroxetine, when taken in higher doses, is more likely to make you feel emotionally numb.
However, it is important to note that being emotionally numb might not be due to Paroxetine in all cases. Sometimes, patients may feel numb as a side effect of depression itself (3).
What does research suggest about Paroxetine and emotional blunting?
A research study was conducted on 15 participants who experienced emotional numbness while taking SSRIs such as Paroxetine. They had less ability to feel irritation, care about others, sadness, be surprised, get angry, or express their feelings.
Due to these emotional side effects, approximately 80% of patients find it difficult to continue their SSRI treatment (3). Another clinical study suggested that when SSRIs are used for long-term treatment, some patients may feel emotionally numb throughout the antidepressant treatment (4).
What have people experienced so far?
Antidepressants have been commonly associated with emotional blunting. A few patients shared their experiences as follows:
A Paroxetine user shared her story:
“I don’t like the emotional side effects of antidepressants because my sexual life has been affected due to these medications. I have tried several antidepressants, and they have even made me have suicidal thoughts”(4).
Another woman quoted her experience as:
“When I was 6 months pregnant, my doctor prescribed Paxil. It caused emotional numbness as I constantly experienced tiredness, gained weight, couldn’t cry, and even lost interest in sex.
I tried to quit Paxil 5 times, but I was unsuccessful as the withdrawal side effects were horrible. My doctor then prescribed Zoloft, and now I feel like myself again, and I can cry whenever I want.”
What to do if you experience emotional numbness with Paroxetine?
If you experience emotional numbness while taking Paroxetine, you should inform your healthcare provider. They will evaluate your current symptoms, family or medical history, and other underlying health conditions.
If you are taking a higher dose of Paroxetine, your doctor may adjust the dosage and monitor your response. If your symptoms worsen or persist, your doctor may recommend gradual discontinuation of Paroxetine and switch you to an alternative antidepressant that is best suitable for you, such as Sertraline, or Fluoxetine (2,6).
You may also try some lifestyle changes such as going for a walk, doing some yoga, trying to get enough sleep, eating healthy, and trying to be socially active. Some patients may also respond better when given cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Conclusion
In my opinion, Paroxetine being an SSRI antidepressant, can make you feel emotionally numb. Although it is a common side effect of Paroxetine, the majority of patients tolerate it well and is considered safe.
However, if you feel emotionally numb while taking Paroxetine, please consult your doctor and do not stop taking Paroxetine, as it may cause withdrawal symptoms.
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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.-
Ma H, Cai M, Wang H. Emotional Blunting in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: A Brief Non-systematic Review of Current Research. Front Psychiatry. 2021 Dec 14;12:792960. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.792960. PMID: 34970173; PMCID: PMC8712545. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8712545/
3.-
Marazziti D, Mucci F, Tripodi B, Carbone MG, Muscarella A, Falaschi V, Baroni S. Emotional Blunting, Cognitive Impairment, Bone Fractures, and Bleeding as Possible Side Effects of Long-Term Use of SSRIs. Clin Neuropsychiatry. 2019 Apr;16(2):75-85. PMID: 34908941; PMCID: PMC8650205. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8650205/
4.-
Opbroek A, Delgado PL, Laukes C, McGahuey C, Katsanis J, Moreno FA, Manber R. Emotional blunting associated with SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. Do SSRIs inhibit emotional responses? Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2002 Jun;5(2):147-51. doi: 10.1017/S1461145702002870. PMID: 12135539. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12135539/
5.-
Cartwright C, Gibson K, Read J, Cowan O, Dehar T. Long-term antidepressant use: patient perspectives of benefits and adverse effects. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2016 Jul 28;10:1401-7. doi: 10.2147/PPA.S110632. PMID: 27528803; PMCID: PMC4970636. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4970636/
6.-
Kroenke K, West SL, Swindle R, Gilsenan A, Eckert GJ, Dolor R, Stang P, Zhou XH, Hays R, Weinberger M. Similar effectiveness of paroxetine, fluoxetine, and sertraline in primary care: a randomized trial. JAMA. 2001 Dec 19;286(23):2947-55. doi: 10.1001/jama.286.23.2947. PMID: 11743835. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11743835/
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