Paroxetine
Antidepressant — SSRI
Indications
DepressionGADOCDPanicPTSDSocial anxiety
Adult dose
Start 20 mg OD; max 50 mg (60 mg in OCD).
Common side effects
NauseaSexual dysfunction (notably high)SedationWeight gainAnticholinergic
Serious side effects
Discontinuation syndrome (most marked of SSRIs)HyponatraemiaSerotonin syndrome
Contraindications
MAOI within 14 daysPregnancy (cardiac malformations — relative)
Monitoring
- Sodium in elderly
- Discuss discontinuation syndrome before stopping
Notable interactions
- Strong CYP2D6 inhibitor — tamoxifen (avoid), TCAs, opioids
- MAOIs
Curated reference based on BNF, Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines and NICE. Verify against current BNF and local guidelines before prescribing.