paroxetine hydrochloride hemihydrate 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
Taking the tablet
Take with food and swallow rather than chew.
Stopping treatment
Do not stop suddenly; withdrawal effects are common and reduction should be supervised by a prescriber.
What is paroxetine hydrochloride hemihydrate used for?
The selected product is licensed to treat:
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 hemihydrate work?
Paroxetine selectively inhibits serotonin reuptake into brain nerve cells. This increases serotonin signalling, which is thought to contribute to its effects.
paroxetine hydrochloride hemihydrate preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 20 mg, 30 mg
How to take paroxetine hydrochloride hemihydrate
Follow the prescription label and leaflet supplied with your product.
Take with food to reduce nausea.
Swallow the tablet rather than chewing it.
The selected film-coated tablet has a score line and may be divided into equal halves.
Avoid alcohol because it can worsen unwanted effects.
Do not stop treatment abruptly; ask the prescriber how to reduce it safely.
paroxetine hydrochloride hemihydrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sexual difficulties, including reduced libido
- Sleepiness, insomnia or unusual dreams
- Headache, dizziness or tremor
- Diarrhoea, constipation or dry mouth
- Sweating
- Blurred vision
- Weakness or weight gain
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling and breathing difficulty
- Serotonin syndrome symptoms such as agitation, confusion, fever, sweating, tremor or muscle stiffness
- Suicidal thoughts, self-harm thoughts or marked worsening of mental state
- Seizure or a manic episode
- Significant unexplained bruising, bleeding or black stools
- Severe blistering or peeling skin reaction
- Sudden painful visual disturbance that may indicate acute glaucoma
paroxetine hydrochloride hemihydrate in pregnancy
Paroxetine may be used in pregnancy when the expected benefit justifies the potential risks, but the choice should be reviewed with the prescriber when planning pregnancy or after becoming pregnant. Evidence suggests a small possible increase in fetal heart defects, while later exposure may cause temporary newborn adaptation symptoms and has been associated with persistent pulmonary hypertension and postpartum bleeding. Do not stop paroxetine suddenly without clinical advice.
paroxetine hydrochloride hemihydrate while breastfeeding
Paroxetine passes into breast milk in very small amounts and is one of the preferred SSRIs for breastfeeding a full-term, healthy infant. As a precaution, monitor the baby for irritability, unusual sleepiness, constipation, poor feeding or inadequate weight gain and seek professional advice if concerns arise.
paroxetine hydrochloride hemihydrate interactions
Check all prescribed, non-prescription and herbal products with a pharmacist or prescriber. Important interactions include:
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, including moclobemide, linezolid and methylene blue
The combination is generally contraindicated because it can cause potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome; formal separation periods apply when switching.
Pimozide or thioridazine
Concomitant use is contraindicated because paroxetine can increase exposure and the risk of serious cardiac rhythm disturbance.
Serotonergic medicines, including tramadol, buprenorphine, triptans, lithium and other antidepressants
Combined use increases the risk of serotonin syndrome and may require avoidance or closer monitoring.
Common questions about paroxetine hydrochloride hemihydrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
How long does paroxetine take to work?
Some people notice early changes after the first week, but meaningful improvement commonly takes several weeks. Contact the prescriber if symptoms worsen or there is no benefit after the planned review period.
Can paroxetine be stopped suddenly?
No. Abrupt stopping commonly causes withdrawal effects, so reduction should be planned with the prescriber.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.