Can You Mix Vitamins With Paxil?

Paxil, or paroxetine, is an antidepressant medication that is used to treat depressive and anxiety disorders. It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI, that alleviates symptoms by maintaining adequate levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved with mood. Since Paxil may interact with other drugs, let your doctor know of any medications, vitamins, supplements or herbs that you are taking before starting Paxil 1.

Effects of Paxil and Vitamins on Depression

Depression is a mood disorder characterized by fatigue, apathy, changes in appetite and sleep disturbances. Paxil works to alleviate these symptoms by increasing serotonin levels since low levels of serotonin are associated with depression. Deficiencies of certain B vitamins also are associated with depression, namely vitamins B-1, B-3, B-6 and B-12. These vitamins can be taken in addition to Paxil.

Effects of Paxil and Vitamins on Anxiety

Can You Take Dexedrine & Vitamins?

Learn More

Anxiety is a feeling of overwhelming nervousness. Anxiety disorders occur when you are no longer able to control it or its effects on your life. Types of anxiety disorders are generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Paxil alleviates symptoms of anxiety in the same way as depression; it increases the level of serotonin in your brain. Like depression, anxiety is associated with deficiencies of certain B vitamins. Vitamin B-1 reduces anxiety and vitamins B-3 and B-6 calm your nerves.

When to Take Vitamins

Many multivitamin labels indicate that the preferable way to take vitamins is with food. This is the best way to absorb them. The exception to this is fiber. Fiber prevents the absorption of vitamins by coating the intestines. Some vitamins should not be taken at night; these include vitamins that act as stimulants, such as the B vitamins that regulate the nervous system, and Vitamin C, which aids in the functioning of the immune system.

When to Take Paxil

How to Use Citalopram & B Complex Vitamins Together

Learn More

Paxil may be taken with or without food. It is less likely to upset your stomach when taken with food. It is best to take Paxil in the morning so that it is at a high level in your blood before you start your day. This is especially true for extended-release tablets. These tablets release Paxil in intervals throughout the day to maintain a more consistent level in your blood.

Warning

Paxil, like other antidepressants, can cause serious side effects, such as allergic reactions and seizures. Also, like other SSRIs, it may increase the risk of suicide in children and adults. There also are withdrawal symptoms from Paxil. As such, it is typically prescribed in a low dose and increased slightly if needed over the course of several weeks. To prevent withdrawal symptoms, you need to wean off this medication by slowly reducing the dosage over time. Abrupt cessation can be hazardous. Most importantly, this medication should be taken as directed by your doctor. Although there is no research to suggest mixing Paxil and vitamins is dangerous, let your doctor be the judge of that for you.