What is the best time to take Paroxetine, morning or night? 

Paroxetine can be taken at night or in the morning. The drug is usually taken once daily and it can literally be taken at any time of the day or the time which is preferred by your healthcare provider. You just have to make sure that the time interval between two dose administration is constant. 

This is extremely important to ensure the safe and effective use of Paroxetine, which is one of the most commonly used antidepressants. Paroxetine is an SSRI, which means it actively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin by blocking serotonin transporters (SERT). 

This way more amount of serotonin is available to bind to its respective receptors and counteract the symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, and several other mental health conditions. 

What is the relationship between the timing of taking Paroxetine and the incidence of side effects? 

It is a known fact that Paroxetine and other antidepressants are associated with a number of side effects. Some of these side effects are inevitable and unavoidable. However, some other side effects can be managed by changing the time at which you take your antidepressant. 

This is in fact one of the most common techniques to help you avoid some of the side effects caused by Paroxetine because the time at which you take your med is closely related to them. If you’re new to Paroxetine, you probably don’t know how the medication makes you feel. 

Once you have observed the kind of side effects this antidepressant causes in your body, you can discuss it with your healthcare provider to make sure you take Paroxetine in the best possible way. However, do not change the timing of your medicine without your doctor’s approval. 

The most common mistake that happens when people change the timing of their meds is overdosing. This is why you should discuss it with your doctor who’ll guide you properly throughout this entire process. 

When should you take Paroxetine in the morning? 

Paroxetine causes some side effects which can affect you more prominently if you take this antidepressant at nighttime. That’s why it’s best to take Paroxetine in the morning if you suffer from the following side effects:

Insomnia 

Paroxetine is known for causing insomnia and the inability to fall asleep. The users most commonly report this side effect which can significantly make you feel sick by not letting you sleep peacefully at nighttime. 

This results in low mental alertness and energy levels during the day time which can affect your daily life activities. If you suffer from Paroxetine induced insomnia, it’s best to take this antidepressant in the morning. This way your body will have less concentration on the drug at night when you go to bed to fall asleep. 

Sexual side effects 

Paroxetine is an SSRI and the entire class of these antidepressants is associated with sexual side effects. If you have been disturbed by Paroxetine-induced loss of libido, you should take this medication early in the morning. 

This way the sexual side effects will be much less intense at nighttime when people usually engage in sexual activities. 

Frequent urination 

If you suffer from Paroxetine induced urinary problems like frequent urination, it’s best to take this medication early in the morning. 

This is because a lot of surveys have shown that people, especially children and the elderly may experience bedwetting when they take this antidepressant before bedtime. This inconvenience can be avoided by taking Paroxetine early in the morning. 

When should you take Paroxetine at night? 

Paroxetine causes some side effects which can affect you more prominently if you take this antidepressant in the morning. That’s why it’s best to take Paroxetine at night if you suffer from the following side effects:

Drowsiness / Fatigue

Paroxetine can also cause drowsiness in some people and it is also a commonly reported side effect. If you’re one of such people who feel sleepy and tired after taking Paroxetine, you should take this medication at night. 

Taking this antidepressant in the morning can make you feel tired and sleepy throughout the day and makes it difficult for you to perform your daily life activities with low mental alertness. 

Loss of Appetite

If you suffer from Paroxetine-induced loss of appetite, you should take this medication at night time. This way, the concentration of the med will be much lower in your body when it’s time for you to eat. Taking it in the morning can make it more difficult for you to consume your meals properly. 

Nausea

Paroxetine is also associated with nausea as a side effect and it is also considered a common one. If you’re the one affected this way, make sure you take this antidepressant at night. This way, you will most likely fall asleep and will not suffer from feeling nauseous. 

References 

• An overview of Paroxetine (Pubmed, 1992)
• The safety profile of Paroxetine (Pubmed, 1992)