Can paxil turn one into a thief? shoplifter? I've been on paxil for 4 months and I've shoplifted?

a bottle of water, and an insole. I would have never dreamed of doing such idiotic things before the paroxetine. So my question is, has my paxil turned me into a thief?

Can paxil turn one into a thief? shoplifter? I've been on paxil for 4 months and I've shoplifted?
It is unlikely, but...


One of the concerns with an unopposed antidepressant (assuming you are on no other meds) is that if you do have a bipolar illness rather than a unipolar depression, the paxil may be causing you to be "hypomanic". Symptoms of hypomania include elevated mood, not needing as much sleep as usual (staying up late), higher level of irritability, and increased impulsivity. This impulsivity usually comes across as increased gambling, increased shopping when you cant afford it, increased sexual activity... all stuff that you wouldn't "normally" do, but your mind's "brake" isnt there to stop you. I suppose that shoplifting could be a manifestation of that. Talk to your prescriber. That being said, the likelihood that an unopposed SSRI like paxil causing it would be pretty low. Also, missing some doses of paxil or taking it too late might cause some confusion and anxiety which could lead you to do things that you wouldn't normally.





These medications are not benign chemicals and COULD cause problems like these, even though most of the time they do not.





So, the bottom line would be to talk to your doctor and see what she or he thinks.
Reply:Is you energy level a little too high? Are you thoughts going a little too fast? Do you need a little less sleep than normal? Those all are signs of mild hypomania (subthreshhold mania) which can be induced by antidepressants. If that's the case, see your doctor asap. It's also a potential indicator of bipolar disorder (you need more so don't leap).





Other than the above, nope, can't think of a reason. So stop that!
Reply:No. It may cause you to gain weight, but it cannot turn you into a thief. I use to take it a few years ago and it helped with my anxiety and I had gained some weight from it, but that's about it.
Reply:no. paxil didn't make you into a thief...don't blame medication for you being a criminal.
Reply:no, shoplifting is a learned behavior. Your looking for an excuse to explain your bad behavior. Please stop.
Reply:Paxil is not the cause of you acting impulsive and shoplifting. It may just be part of your illness. My advice would be to discuss this with your therapist.



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