Can Paxil Cause Nausea?

Posted on Fri, 26 Aug 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 26 Aug 2016 Answered on

Thu, 15 Sep 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I'm treated with Paxil for General Anxiety Disorder. I had a dentist appointment for Thursday and on Wednesday I had several waves of nausea come over me. I would feel like vomiting but did not. The waves of nausea continued through the evening and into Thursday. I'm not afraid to go to the dentist. I've been there many times. Could that be what triggered these waves of nausea? Even though I felt no fear.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Paxil could also cause nausea.

Detailed Answer:
Hello, thanks for asking from HCM for your health related doubts

I can understand your concern. Paxil is Paroxetine and is a SSRI drug. During first few weeks of therapy its common to seen side effects like nausea, vomiting, gastric upset with Paxil. In most cases no treatment is needed and these side effects reduce by own.

So if you have started taking Paxil just recently then most likely cause of your nausea is Paxil. Even persisting anxiety too can cause symptoms like nausea. Nausea can also be seen in anxiety. If the nausea is persistent and you can't miss appointment then low dose benzodiazepine like Clonazepam or Lorazepam can help. Antacids like Ranitidine or Pantoprazole can reduce symptoms. You can talk to your doctor for these drugs.

Thanks, I hope this helps. You are welcome to ask follow up questions if any.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj