Does Paxil block dopamine? (5+ outcomes)
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 Paxil block dopamine?” Furthermore, the related research findings, role of dopamine in the brain, outcomes of dopamine blockade, and factors influencing how Paxil affects dopamine.
Does Paxil block dopamine?
Paxil does not directly block dopamine, but it has dopaminergic effects to a small extent. Paxil, also known as Paroxetine, mainly block the reuptake of serotonin in the brain cells.
Dopamine is a chemical neurotransmitter in the brain cells that regulates movements, response to rewards, and sense of different feelings such as pleasure, motivation, or satisfaction (1).
Paxil is an antidepressant belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) class of drugs. Paxil mainly affects serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates sleep, mood, appetite, and the body’s stress response (2).
What does research suggest about Paxil’s effect on dopamine?
According to a research study, Paxil was found to increase the levels of both neurotransmitters, serotonin and dopamine in the brain cells. However, the duration of these mechanisms differs from each other.
Firstly, Paxil blocks serotonin and its levels go up; after a while, dopamine levels were found to be increased to some extent. An increase in dopamine was found to be related to excess serotonin levels which in turn stimulates a receptor.
When this specific receptor was blocked by giving a medication, dopamine levels did not change. This study suggested that Paxil may increase serotonin and dopamine but at different times, and the increase in dopamine is due to serotonin levels (3). Few other studies suggested that Paxil and other SSRIs such as Prozac and Celexa may have dopaminergic effects but they are not significant enough (4,5).
What is the role of dopamine in the brain?
Dopamine has a significant role that impacts various aspects of brain function. Dopamine controls the emotions, feelings of pleasure and movements of the body. When dopamine levels are altered, they may result in uncontrolled movements, such as in Parkinson’s disease.
Dopamine also plays a crucial role in memory, decision-making, and thinking ability and provides a sense of pleasure in getting rewards, hence affecting motivation levels.
What happens when Paxil blocks dopamine?
Increased dopamine levels by blocking its reuptake in the brain cells to a certain extent by Paxil may have the following advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages
- Improves memory, attention, concentration, thinking and learning ability.
- Improved mood and behaviours leading to controlled stress and depression.
- Increased motivation and ability to process rewards.
Disadvantages
- Patients may become dependent on Paxil for motivation and mood regulation.
- Alterations in dopamine levels may lead to some side effects such as irritability, confusion, and stress.
- In case of decreased efficacy over time, the dose of Paxil may need to be adjusted (6,7).
Do individual factors influence how Paxil affects dopamine?
The following factors may affect Paxil-induced dopamine levels:
- Higher doses and extended periods of Paxil treatment may cause increased dopamine levels.
- Based on genetic makeup, some individuals may have increased dopamine levels while taking Paxil.
- Concomitant use of medications that have more dopaminergic activity.
- Patients with certain illnesses, such as thyroid disorder or Parkinson’s disease, may have more alterations in dopamine levels.
What to do if Paxil is not suitable for you?
If you suspect that Paxil is not suitable for you, and it does not help to improve your symptoms of depression, please consult your healthcare provider. They may initially try to adjust the dose of Paxil and monitor your response.
If your symptoms worsen or persist, your doctor may suggest an alternative antidepressant of selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac, or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as Effexor. Ultimately, your doctor will decide best antidepressant for you according to your specific needs.
In my perspective, Paxil mainly affects serotonin levels, but it may affect dopamine to a limited extent. Paxil can lead to an increase in serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, although the timings of these effects differ.
Alterations in dopamine levels while taking Paxil may impact mental and physical well-being, but certain individual factors may also be involved. Understanding these effects of Paxil is important for doctors and patients when considering the use of Paxil as a treatment option.
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References
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Jaber M, Robinson SW, Missale C, Caron MG. Dopamine receptors and brain function. Neuropharmacology. 1996;35(11):1503-19. doi: 10.1016/s0028-3908(96)00100-1. PMID: 9025098. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9025098/
2.-
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/
3.-
Nakayama K. Effect of paroxetine on extracellular serotonin and dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2002 Feb;365(2):102-5. doi: 10.1007/s00210-001-0497-7. Epub 2001 Dec 14. PMID: 11819027. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11819027/
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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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Foster RH, Goa KL. Paroxetine : a review of its pharmacology and therapeutic potential in the management of panic disorder. CNS Drugs. 1997 Aug;8(2):163-88. doi: 10.2165/00023210-199708020-00010. PMID: 23338224. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23338224/
6.-
Small DM, Jones-Gotman M, Dagher A. Feeding-induced dopamine release in dorsal striatum correlates with meal pleasantness ratings in healthy human volunteers. Neuroimage. 2003 Aug;19(4):1709-15. doi: 10.1016/s1053-8119(03)00253-2. PMID: 12948725. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12948725/
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Westbrook A, Braver TS. Dopamine Does Double Duty in Motivating Cognitive Effort. Neuron. 2016 Feb 17;89(4):695-710. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2015.12.029. PMID: 26889810; PMCID: PMC4759499. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26889810/
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