Paroxetine Hydrochloride
Generic Details
Generic Name
Paroxetine Hydrochloride
Other Names
- Paxil
- Pexeva
- Brisdelle
Drug Class
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
Chemical Formula
C19H20F1NO3.HCl
Molecular Weight
374.8 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, leading to increased serotonin levels in the synaptic cleft
Indications
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
- Oral Suspension
Typical Dosage
- 20-50 mg once daily
Pediatric Dosage
- Not established for most indications
Geriatric Dosage
- Start with lower doses due to increased risk of side effects
Side Effects
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Sexual dysfunction
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to paroxetine
- Concomitant use with MAO inhibitors
Pregnancy Category
- Category D - Risk of fetal harm, but potential benefits may outweigh risks in certain situations
Lactation Safety
- Limited data available, caution advised
Drug Interactions
- MAO Inhibitors
- Thioridazine
- Tamoxifen
- Tricyclic Antidepressants
Overdose Symptoms
- Sweating
- Tremor
- Seizures
Antidote for Overdose
- There is no specific antidote, treatment is supportive and symptomatic
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Well absorbed orally, peak plasma concentrations in 6-10 hours
- Distribution: Crosses the blood-brain barrier and placenta, excreted in breast milk
- Metabolism: Primarily hepatic through the CYP2D6 pathway
- Excretion: Mainly through urine, with minimal excretion in feces
Precautions
- Monitor for worsening of symptoms, especially in the initial weeks of therapy
- Consider dose reduction in hepatic impairment
Warnings
- Increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults
Others
- May cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly, taper dosage gradually