Paxil (paroxetine hydrochloride)
Paxil is used to treat depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. It has also been occasionally described as a preventative for migraines. It is generally administered in pill form.
One of the goals here at Freakishly Pale is to compile a list of drugs that can cause light sensitivity or photophobia (literally “fear of light.” In medical circles it tends to refer to excessive or painful light sensitivity) Occasionally you will see a post like this that lists a drug that can create or increase light sensitivity. We are in no way encouraging readers to refuse or stop taking this drugs. Many of these drugs have great benefits to patients. Our goal here is to make readers aware that these drugs can affect their sensitivity to light so that they can take the necessary precautions while on them. If photo-sensitivity becomes too great, you should always contact your doctor to discuss alternate treatment methods or procedures for minimizing the effects.
If you are aware of drugs that list light sensitivity, photosensitivity or photophobia as a side effect, please feel free to leave a comment. We will look into listed drugs and post those that we can find documentation on. If you feel that a drug might have such side effects, we recommend checking the side effects listed on sites such as RxList.
Graydon said,
July 10, 2007 at 10:23 am
So you are saying that Paroxetine can cause photophobia? Because I definitely have noticed an increased sensitivity to light after a few weeks of taking the medication. Not only that, but it seems to have created a very VERY fine ‘noise’ effect in my vision. When I say “Very fine”, I mean that sometimes I don’t even notice it, but if I think about it I do. Is this normal with paroxetine as well?
freakishlypale said,
July 10, 2007 at 11:59 am
Graydon, According to RxList and the documentation on Paxil’s website, Photophobia and skin photosensitivity are both listed as potential side effects of Paxil. Also, many years ago when the doctors had me on it as a migraine preventative, I was told by the pharmacist that it can cause some sensitivity to light. It varies from person to person, so some people may not be affected at all, while others may experience varying levels of sensitivity.
Paxil is the brand name for Paroxetine hydrochloride, but I note that Asimia (the brand name for Paroxetine Mesylate) also lists light sensitivity and photophobia as side effects, so it is possible that the light sensitivity is a result of the paroxetine. I can’t say for certain as I am not a doctor myself. If the light sensitivity is too distracting, I would recommend talking to a pharmacist and you doctor for recommendations on alternative medications to try.
Laur said,
March 5, 2009 at 10:42 pm
I have been taking Paxil for about a year now and I have recently developed light sensitivity and ringing in my ears. Is this a side effect of this drug?