Does Paxil help with negative thoughts? (5 precautions)
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
In this article, we will discuss whether Paxil helps with negative thoughts. Furthermore, we will talk about related research findings, user experiences, time taken by Paxil to reduce negative thoughts, and precautions necessary while using Paxil.
Does Paxil help with negative thoughts?
Yes, Paxil helps with negative thoughts associated with anxiety and depression. Patients with these conditions may experience self-harming thoughts, fear, stress, mood disorder, or suicidal thoughts. Paxil is a safe and effective antidepressant that is well-tolerated by many patients and has a success rate of around 50%.
Paxil, also known as Paroxetine, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is FDA-approved to treat anxiety, major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and other related mental conditions (1).
How does Paxil help with negative thoughts?
Paxil works for anxiety by blocking the reuptake of a neurotransmitter, serotonin, in the brain cells. Reuptake is the process where serotonin is reabsorbed in the nerve cells. By this mechanism of action, Paxil increases the concentration levels of serotonin in the synaptic region and it remains there for a longer period.
The presence of serotonin for prolonged periods increases the neurotransmission between the brain cells. Serotonin regulates the mood, sleep, appetite, and the body’s stress response which in turn reduces the negative thoughts and other symptoms of anxiety and depression (1).
What does research suggest about Paxil and negative thoughts?
A research study tested patients of schizophrenia with strong negative thoughts by adding Paxil to the ongoing treatment. 29 participants were given Paxil or a fake pill to check the response. Paxil was found to reduce the symptoms of negative feelings in patients who had schizophrenia for a long time (2).
In another clinical study, patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) were examined while taking Paxil. Paxil was found to be effective in reducing the overall symptoms of anxiety including negative thoughts and improve the overall quality of life (3).
What are the user experiences with Paxil for negative thoughts?
Many patients have experienced negative thoughts with anxiety and depression and shared their experiences:
Magcook shared his experience:
“I have been struggling with anxiety and negative thoughts for quite a long time but last year it got worse. I lost my job and experienced insomnia and panic attacks. Due to persistent negative thoughts, I lost control of my life.
I was living in constant fear and hopelessness. Now, my doctor prescribed me Paxil about three weeks ago and it has transformed my life completely. I have no more fears or negative thoughts and I am feeling like myself again.”
An anonymous user shared his story:
“My experience with Paxil has been excellent in overcoming my depression and negative thoughts. I would not be living a normal life without Paxil. Now I have graduated from college and working as a social worker. I would keep going with Paxil in a low dose, rather than living a fearful life.”
How soon does Paxil reduce negative thoughts?
Paxil may start showing its effects in the early phase of treatment by improving sleep patterns, appetite, and mood in some individuals. However, Paxil may take up to 6-8 weeks to show its complete therapeutic benefits.
However, not everyone may notice improvements in their negative thoughts and other symptoms of anxiety and depression within 8 weeks. Some patients might require more time in some individuals depending on their genetic factors and other underlying health conditions (4).
What precautions should be taken with Paxil?
The following precautions should be taken before or during the use of Paxil:
- Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Paxil before prescribing it to you.
- Medications such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) should not be used with Paxil as it may cause serotonin syndrome.
- Thioridazine and Pimoxide may cause heart-related disorders, therefore, they should not be used with Paxil.
- Paxil should also be used with caution when tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and medications that affect the liver, are prescribed.
- Pregnant or nursing mothers should not use Paxil due to the risk of birth defects.
- Do not stop taking Paxil abruptly as it may cause withdrawal symptoms and may take up to a few days to leave your system completely.
What to do if Paxil does not help with negative thoughts?
If Paxil does not help with your negative thoughts, please reach out to your healthcare provider. They may evaluate your current symptoms, family or medical history, and response to the treatment. Your doctor may try to increase the dose and monitor your response to the adjusted dose.
If your negative thoughts persist, your doctor may also suggest some therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help you overcome such thoughts. If necessary, they may gradually discontinue Paxil and switch you to another antidepressant which does not have such side effects.
Conclusion
As per my analysis, I would conclude that Paxil may help the individuals to overcome the negative thoughts. Paxil may take around 2 months to show its complete therapeutic effects.
Patients have experienced significant improvements in their overall symptoms of anxiety and depression. Generally, Paxil is safe and effective, but some precautions should be taken for its best therapeutic effects.
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.-
Jockers-Scherübl MC, Bauer A, Godemann F, Reischies FM, Selig F, Schlattmann P. Negative symptoms of schizophrenia are improved by the addition of paroxetine to neuroleptics: a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2005 Jan;20(1):27-31. doi: 10.1097/00004850-200501000-00006. PMID: 15602113. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15602113/
3.-
Strawn JR, Geracioti L, Rajdev N, Clemenza K, Levine A. Pharmacotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder in adult and pediatric patients: an evidence-based treatment review. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2018 Jul;19(10):1057-1070. doi: 10.1080/14656566.2018.1491966. PMID: 30056792; PMCID: PMC6340395. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6340395/
4.-
Pollack MH, Zaninelli R, Goddard A, McCafferty JP, Bellew KM, Burnham DB, Iyengar MK. Paroxetine in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: results of a placebo-controlled, flexible-dosage trial. J Clin Psychiatry. 2001 May;62(5):350-7. doi: 10.4088/jcp.v62n0508. Erratum in: J Clin Psychiatry 2001 Aug;62(8):658. PMID: 11411817. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11411817/
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