Paxil and Nexplanon (How they interact)

In this article, we will discuss what paxil is , what is nexplanon and how they work. We will briefly discuss their interaction. 

What is Paxil?

Paroxetine (generic name : Paroxetine HCL)  is an antidepressant that is also used to treat panic attacks, anxiety disorders, and a severe type of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). It works by assisting in the restoration of a natural substance (serotonin) equilibrium in the brain. Paroxetine is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor that is selective (SSRI)

This medicine may help you regain interest in daily activities by improving your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy levels. It has been shown to reduce fear, anxiety, unpleasant thoughts, and panic attacks. Paroxetine may help with premenstrual symptoms like irritability, hunger, and depression.

How does it work? 

The exact mechanism responsible for the antidepressant and anti-anxiety benefits of medicines like Paxil is yet unknown. They’re called SSRIs because they prevent the neurotransmitter serotonin from being reabsorbed in the brain and nervous system.

Nerve impulses are chemically transported from one neuron to the next in the neurological system. One neuron produces neurotransmitters like serotonin. They pass between cells before landing on the second neuron. It is thought that having serotonin around for a longer period of time helps to alleviate depression.

What is Nexplanon?

It is a birth control implant placed in the arm. It’s almost as efficient as the pill, but without the trouble of taking it every day. Your healthcare professional will install this small, thin, and flexible arm implant under the skin of the inner, non-dominant upper arm.

It can be effective for upto 3 years, without daily, weekly or monthly doses. It is also reversible and can be removed. 

How does it work?

The implant is placed under the skin of your upper arm by a doctor. To prevent you from becoming pregnant, it releases the hormone progestin.

The hormones in the birth control implant work in two ways to prevent pregnancy:

Progesterone thickens the mucus on your cervix, preventing sperm from reaching your egg. Pregnancy cannot occur when sperm and egg are unable to meet.

Progestin can also prevent eggs from leaving your ovaries (a process known as ovulation), preventing fertilisation. You can’t get pregnant if your eggs aren’t released.

Interaction of Paxil and Nexplanon

Before making any decisions about medications, it is very important to consult with your doctor. There are certain implications of the interaction of the above-mentioned drugs, like carpal tunnel syndrome, bronchitis , implant site , bladder disorder etc.

Read more about the interaction of these drugs here .

Does birth control affect antidepressants?

The use of birth control and antidepressants together has the potential to alter your mood. Antidepressants can alter hormone levels, and hormonal birth control is made up of synthetic hormones, so there could be some drug interactions. If you’ve noticed a substantial shift in your mood since starting this combination of medications, it’s time to talk to your doctor about other possibilities.

However, if you’re on birth control and being treated for depression with an anticonvulsant or mood stabiliser, there’s a chance you’ll have an interaction. These drugs, such as felbamate, lamotrigine, phenobarbital, and primidone, can make your birth control less effective. Call your doctor if you’re not sure if your medicine is an anticonvulsant or a mood stabiliser.

Read more about the medications that can have interactions with your birth control here 

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed what paxil is, how it works, what nexplanon is, how it works and briefly about their interaction. 

FAQs 

Do antidepressants affect nexplanon?

Antidepressants, in general, do not interfere with the effectiveness of birth control. That is, if you are on the pill and on Prozac or Zoloft, you will not get pregnant.

What medicine cancels out nexplanon?

Certain medicines may make NEXPLANON less effective, including:

• Aprepitant.
• Barbiturates.
• Bosentan.
• Carbamazepine.
• Felbamate.
• Griseofulvin.
• Oxcarbazepine.
• Phenytoin

Can you take antidepressants with the implant?

For the time being, you can use any kind of contraception while taking the more contemporary antidepressant varieties, such as SSRIs and SNRIs. But, regardless of which combination you choose, always seek medical counsel before taking, switching, or discontinuing any medicine.

What can interfere with birth control nexplanon?

Antibiotics prescribed by a doctor or nurse will have no effect on your Nexplanon. Antibiotics for tuberculosis (TB) and antibiotics to treat or prevent meningitis, as well as some epilepsy and HIV medications, may interact with Nexplanon. Nexplanon may be less effective if you use the alternative medicine St John’s Wort.