Pharmacology

of
paroxetine

Mechanism of paroxetine inhibition of CYP2D6 [86]

Pharmacodynamics[edit]
Paroxetine is the most potent and one of the most specific selective serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine,
5-HT) reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).[87] It also binds to the allosteric site of the serotonin transporter,
similarly to escitalopram, though less potently so.[88] Paroxetine also inhibits the reuptake
of norepinephrine to a lesser extent (<50 nmol/L).[89] Based on evidence from four weeks of
administration in rats, the equivalent of 20 mg paroxetine taken once daily occupies approximately
88% of serotonin transporters in the prefrontal cortex.[83]