Does Paxil cause night sweats? (7 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 Paxil causes night sweats. Furthermore, we will also discuss studies on Paxil and night sweats, contributing factors, and management strategies in Paxil-induced night sweats.
Does Paxil cause night sweats?
Yes, Paxil does cause night sweats, and it is a common side effect. Paxil may induce excessive sweating when used to treat anxiety and depression, if overdosed, or during the withdrawal process. However, the intensity of experiencing night sweats may vary among individuals. Antidepressants may cause excessive sweating in 5-14% of patients.
Paxil, Pristiq, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Lexapro, and Prozac are commonly associated with excessive sweating throughout the treatment (1). Paxil is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant that is FDA-approved to treat depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other related mental disorders (2).
How does Paxil cause night sweats?
Paxil works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the brain cells. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates sleep, mood, appetite, and the body’s stress response (2). The mechanism of Paxil and other SSRIs causing excessive sweating is due to their effects on muscarinic and noradrenergic release, influencing sweat gland regulation and the body’s stress response and temperature regulation (3).
What do studies say on Paxil and night sweats?
Several research studies support that night sweats are a common side effect of Paxil and other antidepressants. A study conducted in 2005 suggested that a 59-year-old woman experienced excessive sweating, especially on her head and neck, during her anxiety treatment with Paxil for over 7 months.
No underlying issues were found other than Paxil. When Paxil was gradually discontinued, her symptoms improved and completely resolved approximately after a month (4).
Although Paxil commonly causes night sweats, it is also approved by the FDA to treat the frequency and severity of hot flashes and sweating in women during menopause (2,5,6). Other research studies also indicated a potential link between antidepressants such as SSRIs, blood pressure, and thyroid medications with causing night sweats (6).
What factors influence Paxil-induced night sweats?
The factors influencing Paxil-induced night sweats may include:
Higher doses: If you are taking a higher dose of Paxil, you may be more prone to experience side effects associated with Paxil such as night sweats, headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation.
Sensitivity: Individuals vary from each other in their physiological responses to the medication. Therefore, some individuals may be more sensitive to the side effects of Paxil. The dosage of Paxil must be tailored according to the specific needs of individuals to reduce the risk of side effects.
Long-term treatment: Prolonged treatments with Paxil may cause an increased risk of side effects such as night sweats. You should be regular in attending your follow-up sessions to monitor your response to Paxil and necessary adjustments may be made by your healthcare provider to alleviate the side effects.
Drug interactions: Paxil when used concomitantly with other medications, may interact with them. If these concurrent medications also have a side effect of sweating, the risk of excessive sweating may be significantly increased by using drugs in combination.
Medical conditions: Other underlying health conditions such as menopause, thyroid problems, stomach issues, or obesity may also cause an increased risk of excessive sweating.
Withdrawal symptoms: Abruptly discontinuing Paxil may result in withdrawal symptoms such as night sweats, dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, agitation, headache, fever, nausea, or vomiting.
Symptom of depression: Excessive sweating during the daytime or at night time, might be a symptom of anxiety and depression itself. Therefore, if you experience night sweats while taking Paxil, you should be aware of potential symptoms of anxiety and depression as well (7).
How to manage Paxil-induced night sweats?
If you experience Paxil-induced night sweats, and it becomes bothersome, please reach out to your healthcare provider. They may evaluate your current symptoms, underlying health conditions, and response to the medication.
Your doctor may first reduce your dosage and monitor the response. If night sweats persist, they may recommend treatment with Terazosin which has been found effective in treating antidepressant-induced excessive sweating (AIES).
However, in some cases where the dose reduction and treatment with Terazosin does not help individuals, your doctor may recommend gradual discontinuation of Paxil over a few weeks and suggest an alternative antidepressant that is appropriate for you and monitor you closely (1).
Conclusion
As per my research analysis, Paxil is commonly associated with causing night sweats. However, some contributing factors may influence the occurrence of night sweats such as higher dosage, duration of use, abrupt discontinuation, and underlying health conditions.
It is important to note that Paxil-induced severity and frequency may vary among individuals. If you experience bothersome night sweats, please reach out to your healthcare provider.
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References
1.-
Mago R, Thase ME, Rovner BW. Antidepressant-induced excessive sweating: clinical features and treatment with terazosin. Ann Clin Psychiatry. 2013 Aug;25(3):186-92. Epub 2013 May 1. PMID: 23638448. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23638448/
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.-
Mold JW, Holtzclaw BJ. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Night Sweats in a Primary Care Population. Drugs Real World Outcomes. 2015 Mar;2(1):29-33. doi: 10.1007/s40801-015-0007-8. PMID: 27747615; PMCID: PMC4883206. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27747615/
4.-
Marcy TR, Britton ML. Antidepressant-induced sweating. Ann Pharmacother. 2005 Apr;39(4):748-52. doi: 10.1345/aph.1E564. Epub 2005 Feb 22. PMID: 15728327. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15728327/
5.-
Carroll DG, Lisenby KM, Carter TL. Critical appraisal of paroxetine for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms. Int J Womens Health. 2015 Jun 18;7:615-24. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S50804. PMID: 26124682; PMCID: PMC4476484. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4476484/
6.-
David PS, Smith TL, Nordhues HC, Kling JM. A Clinical Review on Paroxetine and Emerging Therapies for the Treatment of Vasomotor Symptoms. Int J Womens Health. 2022 Mar 10;14:353-361. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S282396. PMID: 35300283; PMCID: PMC8921794. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8921794/
7.-
Bryce C. Persistent Night Sweats: Diagnostic Evaluation. Am Fam Physician. 2020 Oct 1;102(7):427-433. PMID: 32996756. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32996756/
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