Stomach, Ulcers, Gastric Bypass Forum - SSRIs : Is Paroxetine safe w/ Ulcerative Colitis , UC ?

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Q: SSRIs : Is Paroxetine safe w/ Ulcerative Colitis , UC ?

asked by: DoctorQuestion on May 20th, 2007

Dear Doctor, I've a great problem; I'll appreciate when you answer me or at least give me some relevant contact, where I'll get the proper information.
So, I consider starting taking some paroxetine cure for my social anxiety.
It is said, paroxetine is a safe and nearly ideal cure for sa-ers.
But the additional problem for me is, I've also ulcerative colitis! It
causes anemia & general weakness pretty often. It also demands many
hospitalizations (they stress me a lot), taking pretty many cures, and I
don't want to additionally "overload" my liver and kidneys, if it would be
effectless (I doubt if curing phobia would be effective during the UC
duration)!...
And it's said, SSRIs can cause the alimentary canal bleeding as well,
what'd be very undesirable for me...
I am afraid a lot that paroxetine could impact negatively on my ulcerative
colitis; all the information I've found is poor and not definite...
What should I do?? Can I take it? Is paroxetine safe in UC??
Thanks.

Replies(1)

DoctorAnswer Doctor Answer

replied on May 29th, 2007

Stomach, Ulcers, Gastric Bypass, and Colon Disorders Answ

You wrote:" List of other diseases, conditions, or injuries and their treatment: Ulcerative colitis for 4 years (treated), social anxiety suspected for 3 years (not treated)

Current medical status: Standard medical tests for the UC (pretty serious course with some remissions), colonoscopies in analgosedation.

Current medical treatment: Mesalazine up to 3g, azathioprine up to 100mg, infliximab infusions, sometimes glycocorticosteroids for few months."

Paroxetine is in the class of anti depressive medications called "selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors", or SSRIs. Paroxetine may cause many side effects such as headache, dizziness, weakness, weight loss or gain, dry mouth, sweating, upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, gas, etc. According to the diagnosis you have been given (ulcerative colitis) I might suggest that you contact an internal medicine specialist and psychiatrist for further steps and to ask if it's safe for you to take Paroxetine given your other medical condition, UC.

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