Does Paxil help brain fog? (7 symptoms)
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 helps brain fog. We will also discuss, how Paxil works in the brain, what the research suggests, symptoms of brain fog, contributing factors, and what to do if Paxil does not help brain fog.
Does Paxil help brain fog?
Paxil may or may not help with brain fog. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Paxil may cause brain fog in some individuals, although it is not a common side effect. The association between Paxil and brain fog is due to its mechanism of action.
Paxil, also known as Paroxetine, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. Paxil is FDA-approved to treat anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other mental conditions (1).
How does Paxil work in the brain?
Paxil works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, in the synaptic regions of the brain. Paxil blocks the reuptake of serotonin thereby serotonin remains in the synaptic region for longer periods.
Due to the prolonged presence of serotonin in the brain regions, neurotransmission between cells is increased. This mechanism of Paxil helps in improving the symptoms of anxiety and depression (1).
Paxil may take about 6 to 8 weeks to show its complete therapeutic benefits, however, patients may experience some improvements in their mood, appetite, and sleep patterns even within the fisrt week of Paxil treatment. Also, Paxil may take a few days to leave the system when gradually discontinued.
What does research suggest about Paxil and brain fog?
In a clinical study, 29 elderly patients suffering from major depression were examined for memory functions while taking Paroxetine. These patients were examined before and during 6 weeks of treatment with Paxil.
This study suggested that these patients had improved levels of concentration, however, their memory remains unchanged. As per this study, Paxil may not cause any harm to the thinking ability of elderly patients (2).
Another study conducted in 2016, suggested that SSRIs when examined for their effects on memory with OCD or depression had mixed results. Some patients experienced memory loss after 8 weeks of SSRI treatment but it was not associated with the age or gender of the patients.
However, some patients said that their memory has been improved while taking Paroxetine. Therefore, Paxil may have different effects on individuals due to its impact on serotonin levels in the brain (3).
What are the symptoms of brain fog?
If you experience brain fog while taking Paxil, you may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Memory loss
- Drowsiness
- Communication problems
- Tiredness
- Agitation
- Feelings of detachment (4)
What factors can cause brain fog with Paxil?
Some factors may influence the occurrence of brain fog while taking Paxil. Brain fog may occur due to various reasons such as insomnia, poor dietary intake, medications, or other mental conditions.
Sometimes the use of other medications alongside Paxil such as anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, or antidepressants, may increase the risk of brain fog. Individual sensitivity to the medication may also influence the occurrence of symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, irritability, or other related issues (5).
What to do if Paxil does not help brain fog?
If you suspect that Paxil is not helping your symptoms of brain fog, or making it worse, please reach out to your healthcare provider. Due to the possibility of Paxil causing brain fog, you and your doctor must be vigilant for any such effects on cognitive functions.
Your doctor may evaluate your current symptoms, and make necessary adjustments to the dose of Paxil. If Paxil still does not help your symptoms of brain fog, your doctor may recommend some alternative treatments which do help with improving cognitive functions.
Conclusion
In my perspective, Paxil may improve the symptoms of brain fog in some individuals. However, in others, Paxil may not help improve the symptoms and cause worsening of brain fog. The effects of Paxil may vary from person to person due to variations in physiological responses among individuals.
Was this helpful?
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.-
Nebes RD, Pollock BG, Mulsant BH, Butters MA, Zmuda MD, Reynolds CF 3rd. Cognitive effects of paroxetine in older depressed patients. J Clin Psychiatry. 1999;60 Suppl 20:26-9. PMID: 10513855. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10513855/
3.-
Sayyah M, Eslami K, AlaiShehni S, Kouti L. Cognitive Function before and during Treatment with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Patients with Depression or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Psychiatry J. 2016;2016:5480391. doi: 10.1155/2016/5480391. Epub 2016 Aug 15. PMID: 27597949; PMCID: PMC5002481. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5002481/
4.-
McWhirter L, Smyth H, Hoeritzauer I, Couturier A, Stone J, Carson AJ. What is brain fog? J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2023 Apr;94(4):321-325. doi: 10.1136/jnnp-2022-329683. Epub 2022 Dec 6. PMID: 36600580. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36600580/
5.-
Kverno K. Brain Fog: A Bit of Clarity Regarding Etiology, Prognosis, and Treatment. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv. 2021 Nov;59(11):9-13. doi: 10.3928/02793695-20211013-01. Epub 2021 Nov 1. PMID: 34714198. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34714198/
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