Does Paxil Cause High Blood Pressure?
Paxil is a drug used for treating a wide variety of mental health problems, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder and more. Interactions with certain other drugs can cause high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.
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Function
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Paxil is the brand name for paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs help maintain levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Serotonin plays a role in blood-vessel constriction, and so it helps regulate blood pressure.
MAOI Antidepressants
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All SSRI medications, including Paxil, should not be taken within 14 days of using monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants. This combination can lead to extremely high blood pressure and other serious problems.
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Serotonin-Increasing Drugs
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Life-threatening complications can result from excess serotonin in the body, a condition known as serotonin syndrome. Patients should never take Paxil with other drugs that increase serotonin levels. Symptoms include high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, fever, hallucinations and vomiting.
Herbal Interaction
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The herb St. John's wort also should not be taken in combination with Paxil, because this herb increases brain serotonin levels.
Uncommon Effect
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A comprehensive list at Drugs.com of all side effects reported by Paxil users includes hypertension, as well as heart palpitations and rapid heartbeat. These effects are uncommon.
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