Paroxetine

introduction

, sold under the brand names Paxil and Seroxat among others, is an antidepressant of the selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class.[7] It is used to treat major depressive disorder, obsessive-
compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress
disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.[7] It has also been used
in the treatment of premature ejaculation and hot flashes due to menopause.[7][8] It is taken orally (by
mouth).[7]
Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, loss of appetite, sweating, trouble sleeping,
and sexual dysfunction.[7] Serious side effects may include suicidal thoughts in those under the age
of 25, serotonin syndrome, and mania.[7] While the rate of side effects appears similar compared to
other SSRIs and SNRIs, antidepressant discontinuation syndromes may occur more often.[9][10] Use
in pregnancy is not recommended, while use during breastfeeding is relatively safe.[11] It is believed
to work by blocking the reuptake of the chemical serotonin by neurons in the brain.[7]
Paroxetine was approved for medical use in the United States in 1992 and initially sold
by GlaxoSmithKline.[7][12] It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.[13] It is
available as a generic medication.[14] In 2021, it was the 95th most commonly prescribed medication
in the United States, with more than 7 million prescriptions.[15][16] In 2018, it was in the top 10 of most
prescribed antidepressants in the United States.[17] In 2012, the United States Department of
Justice fined GlaxoSmithKline $3 billion for withholding data, unlawfully promoting use in those
under 18, and preparing an article that misleadingly reported the effects of paroxetine in adolescents
with depression following its clinical trial study 329.[18][19][20]
Medical uses[edit]
Paroxetine is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-
traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. It is also occasionally used
for agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and menopausal hot
flashes.[21][22][23][24][25]
Depression[edit]
A variety of meta-analyses have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of paroxetine in
depression. They have variously concluded that paroxetine is superior or equivalent to placebo and
that it is equivalent to other antidepressants.[26][27][28] Despite this, there was no clear evidence that
paroxetine was better or worse compared with other antidepressants at increasing response to
treatment at any point in time.