My Dad is 70 years old and has a stage 3 brain tumour.  Part of it was removed last spring and then radiation over the summer.  He is also on Paxil for depression.  In the past few months, he has been experiencing some strange side effects.  Among these:  strange dreams, confusing dreams with reality, confusion, memory lapses, increased interest in religion and overwhelming thoughts of the past (childhood memories, teenage years, his 20s, memories of his parents, etc.).  We are wondering if these symptoms are more likely to be from the Paxil (Ive read a great deal of negative info regarding this drug) or the brain tumour.  Any thoughts?
Hi, In my opinion, the symptoms that you have described are not due to Pail but are due to the brain tumor and the treatment he received for it. It appears that he is developing cognitive impairment due to the radiation he received for the tumor as well as the surgery. The cognitive impairment can gradually progress to dementia and is common in people treated with radiation for brain tumors. Symptoms usually improve with anticholinesterase medicines like donepezil. Please inform his doctor about the symptoms, and I am sure, he will do what is necessary. Best wishes.