Does Paxil work for binge eating? (+3 concerns)
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 discuss whether or not Paxil is effective for treating binge eating, what causes binge eating disorder, clinical studies on Paxil’s effectiveness in treating binge eating, concerns and potential side effects of Paxil, and treatment options for binge eating.
Does Paxil work for binge eating?
Paxil may help treat the symptoms of BED (Binge Eating Disorder) in some individuals. However, Paxil is not FDA-approved for treating BED.
BED is when you frequently eat a large amount of food quickly till you feel extremely full. Our emotional state has an impact on the quantity of food that we eat. If bingeing or overeating becomes uncontrollable and results in body weight gain, depression may ensue. (1)
Paxil is an antidepressant that belongs to the SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) medication class. Because binge eating and depression are sometimes linked, Paxil can help treat depression, which can lead to improvements in your binge eating. (2)
What does research suggest?
Research suggests that paroxetine (Paxil), in addition to other SSRIs like fluoxetine and citalopram can be used to treat depression, improve your mood, and manage episodes of BED.
A study about the use of psychotropic medications in the treatment of eating disorders was published in the Journal of Eating Disorders. It has been discovered that SSRI antidepressants including fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine are useful in treating BED episodes in addition to depression. (3)
Nonetheless, there is conflicting evidence on Paxil’s effectiveness in treating BED. Consult your healthcare provider or psychiatrist about the possible dangers and benefits of using Paxil to treat BED.
What are the side effects of using Paxil to treat BED?
Paxil may cause a number of side effects when used to treat BED, including (4)
Common side effects
- Fatigue.
- Headache.
- Insomnia (inability to sleep).
- Nausea.
- Diarrhea.
- Unusual dreams.
Serious or life-threatening adverse effects
- Sudden unexplained weight changes (weight gain or loss).
- Prolonged confusion and muscle spasms.
- Blurred vision or any vision changes.
- Bleeding from any bodily part openings such as blood in the urine, blood in the feces, coughing up blood, bleeding from your gums, or any bleeding variations during the menstrual cycle.
- Restlessness.
If you experience any of these adverse events, seek medical attention immediately. These are rare but life-threatening adverse effects of Paxil.
What therapies are approved for the treatment of BED?
The FDA-approved treatment options for treating BED include:
Psychotherapy such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): This is a talk therapy that involves talking to a therapist. He/she will assist you in exploring thought, emotion, and behavior patterns that may be fueling your eating disorder. (5)
Medications: Vyvnase is FDA-approved for treating BED in adults. It is believed to restrain the impulsive behavior that might result in binge eating. Patients who were treated with Vyvnase experienced fewer binge eating episodes. (6)
Your healthcare provider might prescribe antidepressants such as SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, and anti-convulsants such as topiramate. These medications are not FDA-approved for treating BED. However, they can help in reducing binge eating episodes.
Nutrition: Consult your dietitian or nutritionist about creating a healthy eating schedule and altering your eating behavior. This can help in treating BED and reduce binge eating episodes.
Lifestyle modifications: Changing your lifestyle habits, such as exercising more, healthy sleeping, and controlling stress can help lessen the symptoms of BED.
Conclusion
Based on my knowledge and research, Paxil may help treat the symptoms of BED. However, Paxil is not FDA-approved for this purpose. Your healthcare provider might prescribe other treatment options for treating BED such as Vyvnase and psychotherapy. Consult your psychiatrist about taking Paxil if your BED is related to depression.
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References
1.-
Overview – Binge eating disorder [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2021. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/binge-eating/overview/#:~:text=Binge%20eating%20disorder%20involves%20regularly
2.-
NHS. About paroxetine [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2022. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/paroxetine/about-paroxetine/
3.-
Moore JK, Watson HJ, Harper E, McCormack J, Nguyen T. Psychotropic drug prescribing in an Australian specialist child and adolescent eating disorder service: a retrospective study. Journal of Eating Disorders. 2013;1(1):27. Available from: https://jeatdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/2050-2974-1-27
4.-
Side effects of paroxetine [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2022. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/paroxetine/side-effects-of-paroxetine/
5.-
Treatment – Binge eating disorder [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2021. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/binge-eating/treatment/#:~:text=Cognitive%20behavioural%20therapy%20(CBT)&text=CBT%20involves%20talking%20to%20a
6.-
Camille Noe Pagán. Medications to Treat Binge Eating Disorder [Internet]. WebMD. WebMD; 2015. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/eating-disorders/binge-eating-disorder/medications-binge-eating-disorder
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