Paroxetine

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 is 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)

• Recommended starting and maximum daily dosage for MDD, OCD, PD, and PTSD: 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
• Elderly patients, patients with severe renal impairment or severe hepatic impairment: Starting dosage is 10 mg daily
• Maximum dosage is 40 mg daily
• When discontinuing paroxetine tablets, reduce dosage gradually
• Administration Information Administer paroxetine tablets as a single daily dose in the morning, with or without food
• 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 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. …

Paroxetine tablets, USP are available as: 20 mg: White to off-white, round-shaped, biconvex, film- coated tablets debossed with the logo of 'ZC, 16 and bisect' on one side and plain on other side Tablets: 20 mg, scored tablets. ( 3 )

• The safety and effectiveness of paroxetine
• In pediatric patients have not been established [see Box Warning]
• Effectiveness was not demonstrated in three placebo-controlled trials in 752 paroxetine-treated
• Pediatric patients with MDD
• Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
• In pediatric patients [see Boxed Warning , Warnings and Precautions ]
• Decreased appetite and weight loss have been observed in association with the use of SSRIs. …

In premarketing clinical trials with paroxetine, 17% of patients treated with paroxetine (approximately 700) were 65 years of age or older. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed a decreased clearance in the elderly, and a lower starting dose is recommended; however, no overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between elderly and younger patients [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. …

• Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide)
• Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Advise patients and caregivers to look for the emergence of suicidality, especially early during treatment and when the dosage is adjusted up or down, and instruct them to report such symptoms to the healthcare provider [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions ]
• Serotonin Syndrome Caution patients about the risk of serotonin syndrome, particularly with the concomitant use of paroxetine with other serotonergic drugs including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, opioids, lithium, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, St. …

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) ]. …

Table 9 presents clinically significant drug interactions with paroxetine. Table 9 Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Paroxetine Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact The concomitant use of SSRIs, including paroxetine, and MAOIs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Intervention Paroxetine is 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 )] . …

Serotonin Syndrome: Increased risk when co-administered with other serotonergic agents, but also when taken alone. If occurs, discontinue paroxetine 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. …

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 War …

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]. …

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). …

Take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once to make up for it. Check your leaflet, as some medicines are different.