Rx only
Fact box
- Therapeutic class
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- Action class
- Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
- Mechanism
- Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
- Habit forming
- No
- Availability
- Prescription (Rx)
Brand names
BrisdellePaxil
Available as
7.5 MG · Oral Capsule10 MG · Oral Tablet20 MG · Oral Tablet30 MG · Oral Tablet40 MG · Oral Tablet12.5 MG · Extended Release Oral Tablet25 MG · Extended Release Oral Tablet37.5 MG · Extended Release Oral Tablet2 MG/ML · Oral Suspension
FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.
⚠ Boxed warningWARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients in short-term studies. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Paroxetine tablets are not approved for use in pediatric patients [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 )] . WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in pediatric and young adult patients taking antidepressants. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Paroxetine tablets are not approved for use in pediatric patients. ( 5.1 , 8.4 )
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Paroxetine tablets are indicated in adults for the treatment of: Major depressive disorder (MDD) Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) Panic disorder (PD) Social anxiety disorder (SAD) Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Paroxetine tablets are a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated in adults for the treatment of ( 1 ): Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Panic Disorder (PD) Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action The mechanism of action of paroxetine tablets in the treatment of MDD, SAD, OCD, PD, GAD, and PTSD is unknown, but is presumed to be linked to potentiation of serotonergic activity in the central nervous system resulting from inhibition of neuronal reuptake of serotonin (5-hydroxy-tryptamine, 5-HT).
How to use / dosing
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Recommended starting and maximum daily dosage for MDD, OCD, PD, and PTSD: ( 2.2 ) Indication Starting Daily Dose Maximum Daily Dose MDD 20 mg 50 mg OCD 20 mg 60 mg PD 10 mg 60 mg PTSD 20 mg 50 mg Recommended starting dosage for SAD and GAD is 20 mg daily. ( 2.3 ) Elderly patients, patients with severe renal impairment or severe hepatic impairment: Starting dosage is 10 mg daily. Maximum dosage is 40 mg daily. ( 2.4 ) When discontinuing paroxetine tablets, reduce dosage gradually. ( 2.6 , 5.7 ) 2.1 Administration Information Administer paroxetine tablets as a single daily dose in the morning, with or without food. 2.2 Recommended Dosage for MDD, OCD, PD, and PTSD The recommended starting dosages and maximum dosages of paroxetine tablets in patients with MDD, OCD, PD, and PTSD are presented in Table 1. In patients with an inadequate response, increase dosage in increments of 10 mg per day at intervals of at least 1 week, depending on tolerability. Table 1: Recommended Daily Dosage of Paroxetine Tablets in Patients with MDD, OCD, PD, and PTSD Indication Starting Dose Maximum Dose MDD 20 mg 50 mg OCD 20 mg 60 mg PD 10 mg 60 mg PTSD 20 mg 50 mg 2.3 Recommended Dosage for SAD and GAD SAD The starting and recommended dosage in patients with SAD is 20 mg daily. In clinical trials the effectiveness of paroxetine tablets was demonstrated in patients dosed in a range of 20 mg to 60 mg daily. While the safety of paroxetine tablets has been evaluated in patients with SAD at doses up to 60 mg daily, available information does not suggest any additional benefit for doses above 20 mg daily [see Clinical Studies ( 14.4 )]. GAD The starting and recommended dosage in patients with GAD is 20 mg daily. In clinical trials the effectiveness of paroxetine tablets in GAD was demonstrated in patients dosed in a range of 20 mg to 50 mg daily. There is not sufficient evidence to suggest a greater benefit to doses higher than 20 mg daily [see Clinical Studies ( 14.5 )] . In patients with an inadequate response, increase dosage in increments of 10 mg per day at intervals of at least 1 week, depending on tolerability. 2.4 Screen for Bipolar Disorder Prior to Starting Paroxetine Tablets Prior to initiating treatment with paroxetine tablets or another antidepressant, screen patients for a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )]. 2.5 Recommended Dosage for Elderly Patients, Patients with Severe Renal Impairment, and Patients with Severe Hepatic Impairment The recommended initial dosage is 10 mg per day for elderly patients, patients with severe renal impairment, and patients with severe hepatic impairment. Dosage should not exceed 40 mg/day. 2.6 Switching Patients to or From a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) At least 14 days must elapse between discontinuation of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI and initiation of paroxetine tablets. In addition, at least 14 days must elapse after stopping paroxetine tablets before starting an MAOI antidepressant [see Contraindications ( 4 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . 2.7 Discontinuation of Treatment With Paroxetine Tablets Adverse reactions may occur upon discontinuation of paroxetine tablets [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )]. Gradually reduce the dosage rather than stopping paroxetine tablets abruptly whenever possible.
Side effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are included in more detail in other sections of the prescribing information: Hypersensitivity reactions to paroxetine [see Contraindications ( 4 )] Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Serotonin Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Embryofetal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Increased Risk of Bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Activation of Mania/Hypomania [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Discontinuation Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Angle-closure Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Hyponatremia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] Bone Fracture [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] Sexual Dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.13 )] Most common adverse reactions (≥5% and at least twice placebo) are abnormal ejaculation, asthenia, constipation, decreased appetite, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, female genital disorder, impotence, infection, insomnia, libido decreased, male genital disorder, nausea, nervousness, somnolence, sweating, tremor, yawn. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Solco Healthcare US, LLC. at 1-866-257-2597 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety data for paroxetine tablets are from: 6-week clinical trials in MDD patients who received paroxetine tablets 20 mg to 50 mg once daily 12-week clinical trials in OCD patients who received paroxetine tablets 20 mg to 60 mg once daily 10- to 12-week clinical trials in PD patients who received paroxetine tablets 10 mg to 60 mg once daily 12-week clinical trials in SAD patients who received paroxetine tablets 20 mg to 50 mg once daily 8-week clinical trials in GAD patients who received paroxetine tablets 10 mg to 50 mg once daily 12-week clinical trials in PTSD patients who received paroxetine tablets 20 mg to 50 mg once daily Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation Twenty percent (1,199/6,145) of patients treated with paroxetine tablets in clinical trials in MDD and 16.1% (84/522), 11.8% (64/542), 9.4% (44/469), 10.7% (79/735), and 11.7% (79/676) of patients treated with paroxetine tablets in clinical trials in SAD, OCD, PD, GAD, and PTSD, respectively, discontinued treatment due to an adverse reaction. The most common adverse reactions (≥1%) associated with discontinuation (i.e., those adverse reactions associated with dropout at a rate approximately twice or greater for paroxetine tablets compared to placebo) are presented in Table 3: Table 3: Adverse Reactions Reported as Leading to Discontinuation (≥1% of Paroxetine Tablets-Treated Patients and Greater than Placebo) in MDD, OCD, PD, SAD, GAD, and PTSD Trials MDD OCD PD SAD GAD PTSD Paroxetine Tablets % Placebo % Paroxetine Tablets % Placebo % Paroxetine Tablets % Placebo % Paroxetine Tablets % Placebo % Paroxetine Tablets % Placebo % Paroxetine Tablets % Placebo % CNS Somnolence 2.3 0.7 — 1.9 0.3 3.4 0.3 2.0 0.2 2.8 0.6 Insomnia — — 1.7 0 1.3 0.3 3.1 0 — — Agitation 1.1 0.5 — — — Tremor 1.1 0.3 — 1.7 0 1.0 0.2 Anxiety — — — 1.1 0 — — Dizziness — — 1.5 0 1.9 0 1.0 0.2 — — Gastroin- testinal Constipation — 1.1 0 — — Nausea 3.2 1.1 1.9 0 3.2 1.2 4.0 0.3 2.0 0.2 2.2 0.6 Diarrhea 1.0 0.3 — Dry mouth 1.0 0.3 — — — Vomiting 1.0 0.3 — 1.0 0 — — Flatulence 1.0 0.3 — — Other Asthenia 1.6 0.4 1.9 0.4 2.5 0.6 1.8 0.2 1.6 0.2 Abnormal Ejaculation a 1.6 0 2.1 0 4.9 0.6 2.5 0.5 — — Sweating 1.0 0.3 — 1.1 0 1.1 0.2 — — Impotence a — 1.5 0 — — Libido Decreased 1.0 0 — — Where numbers are not provided the incidence of the adverse reactions in patients treated with paroxetine tablets
Safety advice
Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.
PregnancyUnsafe
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on data from published observational studies, exposure to SSRIs, particularly in the month before delivery, has been associated with a less than 2-fold increase in the risk of postpartum hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ) and Clinical Considerations] . Paroxetine tablets are associated with a less than 2-fold increase in cardiovascular malformations when administered to a pregnant woman during the first trimester. While individual epidemiological studies on the association between paroxetine use and cardiac malformations have reported inconsistent findings, some meta-analyses of epidemiological studies have identified an increased risk of cardiovascular malformations (see Data). There are risks of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) (see Data) and/or poor neonatal adaptation with exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including paroxetine tablets during pregnancy. There also are risks associated with untreated depression in pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations). For women who intend to become pregnant or who are in their first trimester of pregnancy, paroxetine should be initiated only after consideration of the other available treatment options. No evidence of treatment related malformations was observed in animal reproduction studies, when paroxetine was administered during the period of organogenesis at doses up to 50 mg/kg/day in rats and 6 mg/kg/day in rabbits. These doses are approximately 8 (rat) and less than 2 (rabbit) times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD – 60 mg) on an mg/m 2 basis. When paroxetine was administered to female rats during the last trimester of gestation and continued through lactation, there was an increase in the number of pup deaths during the first four days of lactation. This effect occurred at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day which is less than the MRHD on an mg/m 2 basis ( See Data ). The background risks of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations are unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the US general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryofetal risk Women who discontinue antidepressants during pregnancy are more likely to experience a relapse of major depression than
BreastfeedingCaution
…rats during the last trimester of gestation and continued through lactation, there was an increase in the number of pup deaths during the first four days of lactation.…
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyCaution
…( 2.3 ) Elderly patients, patients with severe renal impairment or severe hepatic impairment: Starting dosage is 10 mg daily.…
LiverCaution
…) Elderly patients, patients with severe renal impairment or severe hepatic impairment: Starting dosage is 10 mg daily.…
Warnings & precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Serotonin Syndrome: Increased risk when co-administered with other serotonergic agents, but also when taken alone. If occurs, discontinue paroxetine tablets and serotonergic agents and initiate supportive measures. ( 5.2 ) Embryofetal Toxicity: May cause fetal harm. Meta-analyses of epidemiological studies have shown increased risk (less than 2-fold) of cardiovascular malformations with exposure during the first trimester. ( 5.4 , 8.1 ) Increased Risk of Bleeding : Concomitant use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, other antiplatelet drugs, warfarin, and other anticoagulant drugs may increase risk. ( 5.5 ) Activation of Mania/Hypomania : Screen patients for bipolar disorder. ( 5.6 ) Seizures : Use with caution in patients with seizure disorders. ( 5.8 ) Angle-Closure Glaucoma : Angle-closure glaucoma has occurred in patients with untreated anatomically narrow angles treated with antidepressants. ( 5.9 ) Sexual Dysfunction: Paroxetine tablets may cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction. ( 5.13 ) 5.1 Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Adolescents and Young Adults In pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and other antidepressant classes) that included approximately 77,000 adult patients and 4,500 pediatric patients, the incidence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in antidepressant-treated patients age 24 years and younger was greater than in placebo-treated patients. There was considerable variation in risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among drugs, but there was an increased risk identified in young patients for most drugs studied. There were differences in absolute risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors across the different indications, with the highest incidence in patients with MDD. The drug-placebo differences in the number of cases of suicidal thoughts and behaviors per 1,000 patients treated are provided in Table 2. Table 2: Risk Differences of the Number of Patients with Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in the Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials of Antidepressants in Pediatric and Adult Patients Age Range Drug-Placebo Difference in Number of Patients with Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors per 1,000 Patients Treated Increases Compared to Placebo <18 years old 14 additional cases 18-24 years old 5 additional cases Decreases Compared to Placebo 25-64 years old 1 fewer case ≥65 years old 6 fewer cases Paroxetine tablets are not approved for use in pediatric patients. It is unknown whether the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults extends to longer-term use, i.e., beyond four months. However, there is substantial evidence from placebo-controlled maintenance trials in adults with MDD that antidepressants delay the recurrence of depression and that depression itself is a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for any indication for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially during the initial few months of drug therapy, and at times of dosage changes. Counsel family members or caregivers of patients to monitor for changes in behavior and to alert the healthcare provider. Consider changing the therapeutic regimen, including possibly discontinuing paroxetine tablets, in patients whose depression is persistently worse, or who are experiencing emergent suicidal thoughts or behaviors. 5.2 Serotonin Syndrome SSRIs, including paroxetine tablets, can precipitate serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. The risk is increased with concomitant use of other serotonergic drugs (including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, meperidine, methadone, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines and St. John’s Wort) and with drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin, i.e., MAOIs [see Contraindications ( 4 ), Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )] . Serotonin syndrome can also occur when these drugs are used
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Paroxetine tablets are contraindicated in patients: Taking, or within 14 days of stopping, MAOIs (including the MAOIs linezolid and intravenous methylene blue) because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ), Drug Interactions ( 7 )]. Taking thioridazine because of risk of QT prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ), Drug Interactions ( 7 )] Taking pimozide because of risk of QT prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ), Drug Interactions ( 7 )]. With known hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome) to paroxetine or any of the inactive ingredients in paroxetine tablets [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 ), ( 6.2 )] . Concomitant use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use within 14 days of discontinuing a MAOI. ( 4 , 5.3 , 7 ) Concomitant use of pimozide or thioridazine. ( 4 , 5.3 , 7 ) Known hypersensitivity to paroxetine or to any of the inactive ingredients in paroxetine tablets. ( 4 )
Pediatric use
8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of paroxetine tablets in pediatric patients have not been established [see Box Warning]. Effectiveness was not demonstrated in three placebo-controlled trials in 752 paroxetine tablets-treated pediatric patients with MDD. Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric patients [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Decreased appetite and weight loss have been observed in association with the use of SSRIs. In placebo-controlled clinical trials conducted with pediatric patients, the following adverse reactions were reported in at least 2% of pediatric patients treated with paroxetine tablets and occurred at a rate at least twice that for pediatric patients receiving placebo: emotional lability (including self-harm, suicidal thoughts, attempted suicide, crying, and mood fluctuations), hostility, decreased appetite, tremor, sweating, hyperkinesia, and agitation. Adverse reactions upon discontinuation of treatment with paroxetine tablets in the pediatric clinical trials that included a taper phase regimen, which occurred in at least 2% of patients and at a rate at least twice that of placebo, were: emotional lability (including suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, mood changes, and tearfulness), nervousness, dizziness, nausea, and abdominal pain.
⚑ About half of pediatric medication use is off-label and not described in FDA labels — absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children. Confirm with your clinician.
Interactions (label text — not an interaction checker)
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 9 presents clinically significant drug interactions with paroxetine tablets. Table 9: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Paroxetine Tablets Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact The concomitant use of SSRIs, including paroxetine tablets, and MAOIs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Intervention Paroxetine tablets are contraindicated in patients taking MAOIs, including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 ), Contraindications ( 4 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Examples selegiline, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, linezolid, methylene blue Pimozide and Thioridazine Clinical Impact Increased plasma concentrations of pimozide and thioridazine, drugs with a narrow therapeutic index, may increase the risk of QTc prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias. Intervention Paroxetine tablets are contraindicated in patients taking pimozide or thioridazine [see Contraindications ( 4 )]. Other Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact The concomitant use of serotonergic drugs with paroxetine tablets increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Intervention Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome, particularly during treatment initiation and dosage increases. If serotonin syndrome occurs, consider discontinuation of paroxetine tablets and/or concomitant serotonergic drugs [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Examples other SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, opioids, lithium, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, and St. John’s Wort. Drugs that Interfere with Hemostasis (antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants) Clinical Impact The concurrent use of an antiplatelet agent or anticoagulant with paroxetine tablets may potentiate the risk of bleeding. Intervention Inform patients of the increased risk of bleeding associated with the concomitant use of paroxetine Tablets and antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants. For patients taking warfarin, carefully monitor the international normalized ratio [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] . Examples aspirin, clopidogrel, heparin, warfarin Drugs Highly Bound to Plasma Protein Clinical Impact Paroxetine tablets are highly bound to plasma protein. The concomitant use of paroxetine tablets with another drug that is highly bound to plasma protein may increase free concentrations of paroxetine tablets or other tightly-bound drugs in plasma . Intervention Monitor for adverse reactions and reduce dosage of paroxetine Tablets or other protein-bound drugs as warranted. Examples Warfarin Drugs Metabolized by CYP2D6 Clinical Impact Paroxetine tablets are a CYP2D6 inhibitor [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. The concomitant use of paroxetine tablets with a CYP2D6 substrate may increase the exposure of the CYP2D6 substrate. Intervention Decrease the dosage of a CYP2D6 substrate if needed with concomitant paroxetine Tablets use. Conversely, an increase in dosage of a CYP2D6 substrate may be needed if paroxetine tablets are discontinued. Examples propafenone, flecainide, atomoxetine, desipramine, dextromethorphan, metoprolol, nebivolol, perphenazine, tolterodine, venlafaxine, risperidone. Tamoxifen Clinical Impact Concomitant use of tamoxifen with paroxetine tablets may lead to reduced plasma concentrations of the active metabolite (endoxifen) and reduced efficacy of tamoxifen Intervention Consider use of an alternative antidepressant with little or no CYP2D6 inhibition [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )]. Fosamprenavir/Ritonavir Clinical Impact Co-administration of fosamprenavir/ritonavir with paroxetine Tablets significantly decreased plasma levels of paroxetine Tablets. Intervention Any dose adjustment should be guided by clinical effect (tolerability and efficacy). Drugs Highly Bound to Plasma Protein : Monitor for adverse reactions and reduce dosage of paroxetine tablets or other protein-bound drugs (e.g., warfarin) as warranted. ( 7 ) Drugs Metaboli
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE The following have been reported with paroxetine tablet overdosage: Seizures, which may be delayed, and altered mental status including coma. Cardiovascular toxicity, which may be delayed, including QRS and QTc interval prolongation. Hypertension most commonly seen, but rarely can see hypotension alone or with co-ingestants including alcohol. Serotonin syndrome (patients with a multiple drug overdosage with other proserotonergic drugs may have a higher risk). Gastrointestinal decontamination with activated charcoal should be considered in patients who present early after a paroxetine overdose. Consider contacting a poison center (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdosage management recommendations.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)
22 marketed products on record (RxNorm)
Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.