Study Finds Possible New Paxil Side Effect

Boston, MAA new study suggests a possible addition to Paxil side effects: increased blood sugar. The study found that when Paxil (known generically as paroxetine) and Pravachol (known generically as pravastatin) are prescribed together, patients could suffer dramatically increased blood sugar levels, potentially pushing them into a diabetic state. This finding may add to the list of Paxil side effects, which reportedly include an increased risk of Paxil birth defects.

The study, which was published in the journal Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (05/25/11), found that when Paxil and Pravachol were combined, patients had an increased risk of significantly elevated blood sugar levels. This side effect was not found when the two drugs were taken separately. It was also not found in other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, a class of antidepressant that includes Paxil) or other statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs that include Pravachol).

Both Paxil and Pravachol are reportedly among the most widely prescribed drugs on the market, meaning that there is a likelihood that many patients could be on both medications at the same time. The study's authors estimate that between 550,000 and 715,000 patients receive both medications at once.

Researchers concluded that combining paroxetine with pravastatin in patients with diabetes is associated with a "large increase" in blood glucose levels after therapy has started. "This finding indicates that these drugs may complicate the treatment and management of diabetes and could lead to a high incidence of adverse events," researchers wrote. They recommend that further study be undertaken to determine the clinical significance of interactions between Paxil and Pravachol, and to determine whether physicians should consider alternative medications.

The study did not examine the effects of taking both Paxil and Pravachol on pregnant women. Previous studies have suggested a link between the use of Paxil (or other SSRI medications) while pregnant and a risk of birth defects. These reportedly include an increased risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, congenital heart defects and valve defects.

Lawsuits have been filed against Paxil, alleging infants exposed to the antidepressant prior to birth were born with serious defects. One of those lawsuits resulted in a $2.5 million award given by a jury. Meanwhile, GlaxoSmithKline, maker of Paxil, reportedly settled around 800 birth defects lawsuits in July 2010.