paroxetine hydrochloride anhydrous at a glance
Medicine class
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant.
Licensed uses
Depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Administration
Swallow the tablet whole with plenty of water. Taking it with food can reduce nausea.
Stopping treatment
Do not stop suddenly; paroxetine is particularly associated with withdrawal symptoms.
What is paroxetine hydrochloride anhydrous used for?
The selected product is licensed in adults for:
Major depressive episodes
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia
Social anxiety disorder or social phobia
Generalised anxiety disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder
How does paroxetine hydrochloride anhydrous work?
Paroxetine selectively blocks serotonin reuptake into brain neurones, increasing serotonin signalling. This is thought to contribute to its effects in depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety-related conditions.
paroxetine hydrochloride anhydrous preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 10 mg, 40 mg
How to take paroxetine hydrochloride anhydrous
Follow the prescription label. Swallow the tablet whole with plenty of water; do not suck, chew or hold it in the mouth, as this can cause an unpleasant taste or throat irritation. Food may reduce nausea.
Do not stop paroxetine abruptly without discussing a withdrawal plan with the prescriber.
Avoid alcohol because it may increase unwanted effects.
Do not drive or operate machinery if dizziness, sleepiness, confusion or blurred vision occurs.
paroxetine hydrochloride anhydrous side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sexual difficulties or reduced sex drive
- Sleepiness, insomnia or abnormal dreams
- Headache, dizziness or tremor
- Agitation or difficulty concentrating
- Dry mouth, diarrhoea or constipation
- Sweating, blurred vision or weakness
- Reduced appetite or weight gain
Get urgent medical advice
- Suicidal thoughts or marked worsening of mood
- Severe allergic reaction
- Serotonin syndrome
- Seizure
- Unusual or gastrointestinal bleeding
- Low blood sodium causing confusion, weakness or poor coordination
- Mania or extreme behavioural change
- Painful eye with blurred vision
- Severe blistering or peeling skin reaction
- Jaundice or other signs of significant liver injury
paroxetine hydrochloride anhydrous in pregnancy
Paroxetine may be used in pregnancy when clinically necessary after an individual discussion of benefits and risks. Some studies suggest a small increase in fetal heart defects, although findings are not consistent. Exposure later in pregnancy may cause short-lived newborn symptoms and is associated with small risks of persistent pulmonary hypertension and postpartum haemorrhage. Do not stop paroxetine suddenly if pregnant; contact the prescriber, midwife or specialist.
paroxetine hydrochloride anhydrous while breastfeeding
Paroxetine passes into breast milk in very small amounts and is one of the preferred SSRIs for breastfeeding a healthy, full-term infant. As a precaution, monitor the infant for unusual drowsiness, irritability, restlessness, constipation, poor feeding or inadequate weight gain; specialist advice is appropriate for premature or unwell infants.
paroxetine hydrochloride anhydrous interactions
Check prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products before combining them with paroxetine.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, including moclobemide and methylene blue
The combination is contraindicated because it can cause life-threatening serotonin syndrome; specific separation periods are required when switching.
Thioridazine or pimozide
Contraindicated because paroxetine can increase exposure and the risk of dangerous heart-rhythm abnormalities.
Tramadol, buprenorphine, triptans, lithium and other serotonergic medicines
The combination can increase serotonergic effects and requires assessment and monitoring for serotonin syndrome.
Common questions about paroxetine hydrochloride anhydrous
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
How does paroxetine work?
It blocks serotonin reuptake into brain cells, increasing serotonin signalling involved in mood and anxiety regulation.
How quickly does paroxetine start working?
Some improvement may appear after the first couple of weeks, but the full benefit can take several weeks. Contact the prescriber if symptoms worsen or there are concerns while waiting for benefit.
Is paroxetine addictive?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.